Fulham have ended the lingering uncertainty surrounding the futures of midfielders Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed, signing them up to new contracts.
Palhinha came agonisingly close to joining Bayern Munich, undergoing a medical in Germany on the summer transfer deadline day.
However, Fulham’s failure to secure a suitable replacement led to an abrupt halt of the deal. Palhinha has now inked a new five-year contract with the club, with an option for an additional 12-month extension, securing his stay at Craven Cottage until 2029.
This development sends a clear message to Bayern, who were reportedly planning a January bid for the holding midfielder.
Reed attracted interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer and was also on the brink of a potential transfer that ultimately fell through.
He has now committed his future to Fulham with a fresh four-year deal, with the club having an option to extend it for an additional year.
Fulham’s decisive actions in securing these contract extensions reaffirm the club’s determination to retain its valuable assets and maintain their stay in the Premier League.
Palhinha said (via Fulham’s official website): “I feel happy. A lot of history happened these few weeks for me, you heard a lot of things about my future, but I’m just focused on my work at Fulham.
“I always have 100 percent commitment with this club – I have all the respect for the club, for the fans.
“Since the first day, they supported me a lot, and me and my family felt this since the first moment that I arrived here.
“I will give everything that I have. It was always like that, on the field, outside of the field, in our dressing room with my teammates.
“I have a lot of respect for everyone here in Fulham and I am ready to start again, to give all my best, and I want to achieve good things.”
Reed added: “I’m buzzing to get it over the line. It’s something we’ve been working on for a short period, but I’m really happy to put pen to paper.
“I made it clear from the first day that, for me, my future was here, and if the club matched that then let’s get something done.
“Thankfully, the club’s ambition aligned with mine, so I’m really happy and looking forward to the future.”
