Bayern Munich has strengthened their midfield with the signing of Joao Palhinha from Premier League side Fulham, the club announced on Thursday.

The 29-year-old Portuguese midfielder and the German giants have agreed on a four-year deal, which will keep the Portuguese player with them until July 2028.

Portugal's Joao Palhinha (C) attends a training session in Al Shahhniya, Qatar, Nov. 19, 2022, ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

"Joao really wanted to join Bayern, and we need players like that," said Bayern's sports chairman Max Eberl. "He's an important part of our future plans. He showed what he can do on the big stage again at the European Championships and brought a lot of experience to the table, having already played in one European Championship and one World Cup, and played around 300 competitive matches in the Portuguese and English leagues. He'll give us even more stability in the centre."

Palhinha, who was born in Lisbon, joined Sporting Lisbon's youth academy at the age of 17. The defensive midfielder first played for the Portuguese club in the 2013-14 season and then gained first-team experience on loan at Moreirense FC, Belenenses Lisbon and Sporting Braga.

He helped Sporting Lisbon win the league championship, the League Cup twice and the Super Cup once. He also won the League Cup with Braga.

In 2022, he joined Fulham and played in 79 games, scoring eight goals. His performances earned him a call-up to the senior national team in March 2021, and he has scored two goals in 31 games so far.

"This is one of the best days of my life. I'm now playing for one of the best clubs in Europe. It's a dream come true, and I'm very proud of that. I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and the supporters in the Allianz Arena. I want to celebrate success with Bayern and win titles," Palhinha said.

The new arrival could play his first match for Bayern in the first round of the German Cup against Ulm on August 18, before facing Wolfsburg six days later.

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