Palhinha keen for Bayern stay as Portugal legend Pepe backs Seleção man to prove himself in Germany | OneFootball

João Palhinha’s protracted transfer to Bayern Munich has yet to deliver the type of results many had hoped when the Portugal midfielder finally moved to Germany last summer.

Palhinha finally got his dream move to Bavaria last July, having missed out the previous year when the deal collapsed at the last minute. However, the former Sporting man has struggled to make an impact with the Bundesliga leaders under Vincent Kompany.

The 29-year-old has started just five leagues matches, with another two starts in the Champions League, while he has yet to score or assist for the club. Recent weeks have been particularly tough, with Palhinha handed a total of just seven minutes across the Champions League knockout tie against Bayer Leverkusen, between which he was sent off in the first half of a 3-2 home league defeat to Bochum.

The situation has led to speculation of another move out of Munich this summer, but Palhinha insists he is focused on fighting for a place with his current club. Speaking to German publication BILD, Palhinha believes he has a point to prove and is focused on repaying the faith shown in him.

“I am not interested in these types of rumours about leaving. I will do everything I can to show why the club spent money on me. I am not thinking about leaving,” he said.

“Goretzka, Upamecano and Davies were criticised last season, but now they have an important role. So I just want to show what I’m capable of.

“The red card? It wasn’t easy. Even though I didn’t think I deserved the red card, I was disappointed because I wanted to show what I could do. But that’s in the past. I’m ready for new challenges.”

Palhinha has received support in the form of ex-international colleague Pepe, who spoke out in his favour earlier this week. Now retired, Pepe urged the Bayern board not to give up on the 33-time Portugal international. “I would advise everyone involved to be patient,” Pepe said. “I know, from our time together, that João brings a lot of quality and I’m sure he will give a lot to Bayern next season. He will turn the situation around and help Bayern a lot.

“He’s fighting incredibly hard for his team. It hasn’t been easy for him recently - even before the move in the summer when his move to Bayern fell through at the last minute. There were a lot of emotions. And now that João is in Munich, it’s a big change for him compared to his time at Fulham.

“It’s normal that he needs a year to adapt and settle in. But I’m sure he’ll be able to turn things around and help Bayern a lot.”