Liverpool have decided to cool their interest in Joao Palhinha amid fitness concerns and his huge asking price.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have moved away from pursuing Joao Palhinha. The Merseysiders disagree with his valuation, plus there are concerns about his fitness as the 28-year-old midfielder is yet to return from a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season.
Liverpool are not yet done in the transfer market, as many believe they could still sign another midfielder and a much-needed central defender. Jurgen Klopp has faced disappointments in the last two weeks with some of his preferred targets in the middle, but they have since brought in a new player.
Wataru Endo joined from Stuttgart in what seemed like a surprise signing for Liverpool, but he didn’t solve their midfielder issues. The loss of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho had left a massive void in midfield, which had led Liverpool to keep tabs on Joao Palhinha.
Fulham had set a high asking price for Palhinha at the start of the window, knowing well that top clubs would enter the market for holding midfielders. They were demanding as much as £90 million at one stage amid West Ham’s interest after the Declan Rice sale.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the Portuguese international midfielder as well. Both clubs need to sign a quality defensive midfielder, and the 28-year-old could prove to be a superb acquisition.
The Hammers have since moved on to sign Edson Alvarez from Ajax. But with Liverpool losing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Fulham knew they might return for Palhinha. The 28-year-old midfielder had a stellar first season with the Cottagers.
Liverpool had kept tabs during the season and always considered the 28-year-old midfielder a player that suited their style. The Merseysiders have no intention of paying Fulham’s asking price, and the midfielder’s shoulder injury in pre-season has seen them cool their interest.
With the arrival of Endo, Klopp may look at a different midfield profile, with links to Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich. In any case, Liverpool may not pay massive fees for the 28-year-old Fulham star and may move on from their interest.
With their tactics, Fulham have done well in warding off interest from clubs for Palhinha. There’s a big chance of the Portuguese international remaining at the club and continuing to feature in Marco Silva’s midfield.
