Joao Palhinha leaves Bayern Munich to reunite with Marco Silva at Benfica

By SABC Sport
26th August 2026

Joao Palhinha has completed a return to his native Portugal after joining Benfica from Bayern Munich on a permanent four-year contract.

The 31-year-old midfielder brings an end to a two-year spell in Germany, having joined Bayern from Fulham in 2024. Despite winning the Bundesliga in his first season, Palhinha made only 25 appearances for the club, starting 10 matches.

He spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Tottenham, where he played an important role towards the end of the season as the London club secured their Premier League survival on the final day. Palhinha scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Everton, a result that also helped his former club Fulham avoid relegation.

The move to Benfica sees Palhinha reunite with Marco Silva, who managed him during his successful two-year spell at Fulham. He had been linked with a possible return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Newcastle reportedly considering moves, but opted instead to return to his homeland.

Palhinha began his senior career in Portugal and previously represented Moreirense, Sporting CP, Belenenses and Braga before establishing himself in England.

His defensive qualities were particularly evident during his time at Fulham. He recorded more tackles and duels won than any other player for the club, with 185 tackles and 632 duels won, while also ranking second for aerial duels won and interceptions during his two seasons at Craven Cottage.

Bayern sporting board member Max Eberl confirmed that the German club had reached an agreement with Palhinha over his future.

"We've discussed Joao Palhinha's situation openly with him and found a solution that we could all agree on," Eberl said.

"He's decided to continue his career in his home country. We thank him for his time at FC Bayern and wish him all the best for the future."

Palhinha joins a Benfica side that has made a solid start to the domestic campaign, collecting four points from their opening two league matches, including a 7-0 win over Casa Pia.

The Portuguese club have also advanced in Europa League qualifying, beating Hearts before taking a 3-1 lead over AGF Aarhus in their play-off tie.