Liverpool are all set to battle it out with Manchester United for the signature of Portuguese defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.
According to The Sun, Liverpool and Manchester United are set to enter a transfer tussle for the services of Joao Palhinha. The 27-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been sensational in the ongoing season. His performances have not gone unnoticed and a lot of clubs are keen on acquiring him ahead of next season. And a fee of £40 million might be enough to sign him.
Palhinha came through the ranks at Sporting CP before making a move to Premier League club Fulham ahead of the 2022/23 season. Initially, he was subject to quite a few loan moves during his time in Portugal. However, he managed to break into the Portuguese club’s first team in the 2020/21 season.
After two incredible years for Sporting CP, Fulham came calling, and the 27-year-old decided to move to England. He joined the Cottagers for £17 million in the summer and has been sensational since making the move.
The Portugal international has made 28 appearances in the ongoing season and has four goals to his name. Fulham has enjoyed a great season so far, as they are eighth in the league. And Palhinha has surely played a big part in it.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, and a lot of clubs are ready to spend big in the summer for his services. The 27-year-old has a contract with the Cottagers that runs until the summer of 2027. But, he might be on his way out just a year after joining them because of the amount of interest from across the globe.
Manchester United and Liverpool are keen on signing the defensive midfielder. Manchester United are looking for further reinforcement in the centre of the park. While they did sign Casemiro ahead of the ongoing season, the Red Devils are still in search of another defensive midfielder to rotate the Brazilian midfielder. It will also allow Erik ten Hag to play Casemiro and Palhinha in a double pivot role.
However, Liverpool are ready to battle with United for the 27-year-old’s services. Liverpool are keen on a midfield overhaul, and their main target is Jude Bellingham. While they will go all out for Bellingham, Jurgen Klopp’s team are also looking to sign Palhinha.
They are need a new defensive midfielder. And, the Portugal international surely fits the bill having already proved himself in the Premier League. The 27-year-old is currently valued at £40 million. And, it will be interesting to see which of the clubs manage to price him away from the Cottagers.
