Legendary German footballer Lothar Matthäus has sharply criticized the transfer strategy of FC Bayern Munich in light of the news regarding midfielder João Palhinha's loan to Tottenham Hotspur.
Palhinha was acquired by Bayern from Fulham in the summer of 2024 for 51 million euros. However, during the entire season, the 30-year-old defensive midfielder only made 25 appearances and failed to score or assist in any goals. According to the 1990 Ballon d'Or winner, such mistakes have become systematic within the club.
Thomas Tuchel desperately wanted Palhinha, but Vincent Kompany didn't rely on him. Looking back at the history of the transfer, he was ultimately unnecessary and superfluous. Bayern has four or five players who can play in that position. Palhinha wasn't the only bad investment; [Bryan] Zaragoza, [Bouna] Sarr, and [Sacha] Boey, who came from Galatasaray for €30 million, also cost a lot of money. All of them, however, had little to no playing time.
João Palhinha's contract with Bayern runs until 2028, but he will spend the 2025/26 season on loan at Tottenham.
In the 2024/25 season, Bayern Munich became the champions of Germany, earning the right to compete in the Champions League in the following season. However, in the Club World Cup, Bayern were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain.
