- Benfica completed the signing of João Palhinha from Bayern Munich in a deal that could rise to €19 million
- Jhon Durán missed on-pitch work on Wednesday and trained only in the gym, making his involvement against Aarhus highly unlikely for Marco Silva
- Benfica will travel to Denmark to face Aarhus at Randers Stadion on Thursday, aiming to secure qualification after taking an advantage in Portugal
Palhinha Returns To Lisbon In Long-Term Benfica Move
Benfica have strengthened their midfield by signing Portugal international João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, completing the transfer on Wednesday for a fee that could reach €19 million.
The agreement is structured around an initial €14 million payment, with five more to be paid through potential bonuses. Palhinha has signed a contract with Benfica running until 2030, while the Portuguese club confirmed that the midfielder’s deal includes a €50 million release clause.
“The 31-year-old Portugal international is returning to his home city of Lisbon, where he began his professional career at Sporting,” said Bayern in a statement.
Bem-vindo, João Palhinha! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/Q3I3qIbFDA
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) August 26, 2026
Bayern had signed Palhinha from Fulham in 2024. During his spell with the German club, he won the Bundesliga in 2025 before spending last season on loan at Tottenham. Earlier this summer, the midfielder had also been linked with Premier League side Aston Villa.
Transfer Details And Career Context
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | João Palhinha |
| Nationality | Portugal international |
| Age | 31-year-old |
| From | Bayern Munich |
| To | Benfica |
| Initial fee | €14 million |
| Potential total fee | €19 million |
| Contract length | Until 2030 |
| Release clause | €50 million |
| Previous clubs | Sporting, Fulham, Bayern Munich, Tottenham |
Durán Absence Creates Concern Before Aarhus Clash
Jhon Durán did not take part in on-pitch work on Wednesday and instead trained only in the gym. That absence has left his involvement against Aarhus highly unlikely for Marco Silva.
The session at Seixal today was Benfica’s final preparation before the Europa League play-off second leg, with a place in the league phase at stake. Youngsters Jaden Umeh and Daniel Banjaqui were also absent from the training session.
There was more positive news regarding Alessandro Circati, who has trained with the squad since last Friday. His fitness levels were considered favourable, securing his inclusion on the list submitted to the European governing body.
Aarhus Tie And Possible Palhinha Training Step
Benfica will travel to Denmark to face Aarhus at Randers Stadion on Thursday. The Portuguese side are seeking to confirm qualification after gaining the advantage in the first meeting in Portugal.
