Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has no release clause in the new deal he signed with the Cottagers last week.

The 28-year-old Portuguese international signed an improved contract until June 2028, with the option of a further year, to solidify himself as the club’s strongest financial asset.

Bayern Munich expected to come back for Palhinha

This allows Fulham to effectively demand what they want for Palhinha if Bayern Munich decide to make a second move in January after failing with a last-minute bid to sign the midfielder on deadline day.

As reported by Soccer Times, Bayern still hold a strong interest in the midfielder with Thomas Tuchel’s men crying out for a new engine room following the departure of Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool.

With Palhinha’s deal lasting for five years, Fulham are now under no pressure to sell their best player for under the market value.