Bayern want him, he wants Bayern, but in the meantime - he agreed to a new fat contract at Fulham

Fulham has confirmed that Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed have both signed new contracts, ending uncertainties about their futures following the last transfer window.

Palhinha had reached personal terms with Bayern Munich and even underwent a medical examination in Germany on the transfer deadline day. However, Fulham decided to cancel the deal at the eleventh hour after they could not secure a replacement. This turn of events left the player understandably disappointed.

Despite Bayern reportedly planning a January bid for Palhinha, the midfielder has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with Fulham. The deal also includes an option to extend for an additional 12 months, potentially keeping him at the club until 2029. It should give the midfielder at least a bit of satisfaction after seeing his dream move to Germany fall through.

"I feel happy. A lot of history happened these few weeks for me, you heard a lot of things about my future, but I'm just focused on my work at Fulham. I always have 100 per cent commitment with this club, I have all the respect for the club and the fans. Since the first day, they supported me a lot, and me and my family felt this since the first moment that I arrived here. I will give everything that I have. It was always like that, in our dressing room with my teammates, outside of the field. I have a lot of respect for everyone here in Fulham and I am ready to start again, to give all my best, and I want to achieve good things."

According to Sky Sports, Palhinha's new Fulham contract does NOT have a release clause included.

Palhinha made a significant impact at Fulham since his arrival in July last year, quickly becoming a beloved figure among fans. He led the Premier League in tackles won by a wide margin last season and contributed with four goals, two of which were among the top three in the Goal of the Season vote. His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Season award.

Although his progress was briefly halted by a shoulder injury in early 2023, Palhinha returned triumphantly with a dramatic late equalizer against Arsenal in his first start of the season.

Fellow midfielder Reed also signed a new contract, extending his stay at Craven Cottage until 2027, with another year an option.