JOAO PALHINHA’S brother and agent claims that his move to Bayern Munich has merely been “postponed”.
The Portuguese star travelled to Germany on Friday to complete a deadline day switch from Fulham.
GettyJoao Palhinha thought he was joining Bayern Munich on deadline day[/caption]
His dream move fell through at the final hurdle, however, after Marco Silva‘s side were unable to sign a replacement.
Fulham were rejected by Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
While interest in Scott McTominay failed to materialise into a transfer.
Palhinha did not feature in Fulham’s 5-1 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday.
The midfielder’s brother Goncalo believes that his sibling and client will eventually move to Bayern.
He said: “They didn’t kill the dream, they just postponed it.
“Very proud of my brother and the player I represent.”
Goncalo then had gushing words for the Bayern hierarchy.
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He added: “Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire Bayern structure.
“The affection for the club in our family will remain forever even though my brother didn’t sign.”
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel was asked whether his side could return for Palhinha, 28, at a later date.
He said: “I have no opinion on that. There’s no point in thinking about it now. He plays at Fulham and we play here without him.
“In winter we have to see. Things change sometimes, you can’t predict that.”
Palhinha scored a last-gasp equaliser in Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Arsenal.
While he also helped Silva’s men overcome Tottenham on penalties in the League Cup.
The Fulham boss had words of sympathy for Palhinha after his failed transfer
Silva, 46, said: “It was a tough day for him, definitely, probably one of the toughest days of his life. He loves Fulham, he loves football, he loves to be with us.
“He had the fantastic season last season and he’s always a player that gives 100 per cent for the shirt but he had a big chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world and he was really close.
“You can imagine the impact that has on a football player when these type of things happen.
“He is going to need support from all of us – the coaching staff, our fans and his team-mates.”
GettyMarco Silva had words of sympathy for Palhinha[/caption]