Bayern Munich not interested in selling Joao Palhinha, yet will entertain offers for Kim Min-jae | OneFootball

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany and sporting director Christoph Freund both commented on Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha at Friday’s press conference. With Leon Goretzka ruled out against Heidenheim, Palhinha still wasn’t selected for just his sixth Bundesliga start this season and third of the current calendar year.

Both Kompany and Freund backed Palhinha; a €51m transfer this summer who has thus far proved a total flop. The former Fulham man has registered just one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this season. Kompany emphasised that Palhinha had performed well in some specific instances. Freund directly ruled out a sale this summer, even if Aleksandar Pavlovic is above the Portuguese international on the depth chart.

“He played the whole game against Augsburg [on matchday 28] and did well,” Kompany said. “He’s been unlucky with the timing of his injuries. When his moment comes, hopefully he’ll show how good he is many times over.”

Kompany referenced the competitive situation in midfield as the reason that, after Augsburg, Palhinha remained unused on the bench in subsequent important matches against Borussia Dortmund and Inter. Freund echoed Kompany’s sentiments and appeared to rule out a summer sale.

“It’s absolutely not our plan to let him go in the summer,” Freund said. “He hasn’t really got into his rhythm, partly due to injuries. It’s his first year playing for such a big club. He’s a real professional, a great character and a top guy.“

Whereas the German record champions appear prepared to give Palhinha some more time, patience with South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae is reportedly wearing thin. Back-to-back disastrous performances against Dortmund and Inter leave Bayern preparing to cut their losses.

Florian Plettenberg and Sport Bild claim that there’s interest from Kim’s former league, the Serie A, as well as the Premier League. Bayern could probably hope to recoup most of the €50m they once paid to acquire Kim, especially if clubs such as Chelsea or Newcastle United (as reported) are interested.

GGFN | Peter Weis