JOAO Palhinha has put his deadline day heartbreak behind him by penning a new contract which could keep him at Fulham until 2029.
The Portuguese midfielder was on the bring on signing for German giants Bayern Munich just 13 days go until the proposed deal broke down at the last minute.
That didn’t put an end to speculation the 28-year-old might still be on his way to Thomas Tuchel’s side in January.
However, that suggestion looks to have been quashed with this evening’s news of Palhinha’s decision to agree an extension with the Cottagers.
The new contract lasts for five years, but there is an option for Fulham to add another 12 months on top of that which means in theory Palhinha should see out nearly all of the rest of his career by the banks of the Thames.
He told Fulham’s TV station: “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 per cent 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 team-mates.
“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.”
Palhinha isn’t the only one to celebrate landing a new deal at Craven Cottage after it was also confirmed fellow midfielder Harrison Reed is staying until at least 2027.
Like Palhinha, Reed’s latest contract also comes with a potential 12 month extension for the club.
He told Fulham TV: “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.”
Follow us on Twitter @sportsouthlndn for updates from Saturday’s game between Fulham and Luton.
