Transfer Centre

Transfer news and rumours: Palhinha, Tah to Bayern, Morata on Atletico future

By Ben Sully | 29 June 2024

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news, including Joao Palhinha and Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich and Alvaro Morata's Atletico Madrid future.

Bayern Munich have reportedly submitted their final offer for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The German giants looked set to sign the 28-year-old last summer, before the proposed move fell through on transfer deadline day.

Palhinha, a Portugal international, subsequently signed a new deal with Fulham to extend his stay with the club until 2028, with the option for an additional 12 months.

Bayern continue to retain an interest in Palhinha, but they are finding it difficult to reach an agreement with Fulham over a potential transfer fee.

According to Sky Deutschland, Bayern have made their final offer for Palhinha, tabling a bid in the region of €45m (£38.1m).

The offer falls below Fulham's reported £60m asking price, but it remains to be seen whether the Cottagers will be prepared to lower their demands and accept Bayern's final proposal.

Palhinha is keen to complete a move to the Allianz Arena, while all parties are hopeful that a deal can be done this summer.

Germany defender Jonathan Tah on October 17, 2023 © Reuters

Bayern making progress in Tah pursuit

Sticking with Bayern, the German giants have reportedly received a boost in their bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah.

New Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany has already bolstered his backline with the acquisition of versatile defender Hiroki Ito.

Not content with one new defender, the Bavarians have been working on a deal to sign Tah from Bundesliga champions Leverkusen.

Negotiations over a transfer had slowed due to Bayern's reluctance to meet Leverkusen's asking price which is said to be in the range of €40m (£33.9m) to €45m (£38.1m).

However, Sky Deutschland are reporting that the Bavarians are now making progress and appear to be closing in on a deal to sign the 28-year-old.

Having already agreed personal terms with Bayern, Tah has made it clear that he will not be extending his contract with Xabi Alonso's side.

With Tah set to enter the final 12 months of his deal, Leverkusen are seemingly aware that it is better to sell the defender this summer rather than lose him on a free transfer in 2025.

Spain's Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring their first goal on June 15, 2024 © Reuters

Morata addresses Atletico Madrid future

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata has admitted that he is unsure if he will remain in the Spanish capital for the 2024-25 season.

Morata initially joined Atletico on an initial 18-month loan deal in January 2019, before he completed a permanent move from Chelsea in the summer of 2020.

The Spaniard subsequently spent two years on loan at Juventus until he returned to the Civitas Metropolitano in June 2022.

Over the last two years, he has proven to be a regular fixture in Diego Simeone's side, scoring 34 goals in 93 competitive appearances.

Despite being under contract until 2026, Morata refused to offer any guarantees that he would still be with Atletico for next season, amid reports that the Spanish club are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.

Morata told El Chiringuito: "I don't know if I'll stay at Atleti. I've received messages from many at the club, but not from Cholo. I know Simeone perfectly well, if he didn't count on me, he would have called me."

"It doesn't bother me that so many names are being mentioned, but in the end, I'm at an age where I want to play and feel important."

Manchester United have been mentioned as a potential destination for Morata, while there is also thought to be interest from Juventus, Roma, Fenerbahce and Borussia Dortmund.