Liverpool are looking to improve their midfield unit by signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Joao Palhinha, 27, has been a revelation for Fulham since arriving from Sporting CP last summer, establishing himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. The Portuguese has played a crucial role in Fulham’s impressive season and made more tackles than any other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
However, following a series of impressive performances for the Cottagers, Palhinha has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs. Apart from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Spurs are also keeping tabs on the defensive midfielder, who is now reportedly valued at around £60m.
Palhinha has a contract at Craven Cottage until 2026, with the club holding another year’s option. So, Marco Silva and Fulham remain confident the Portugal international will stay in west London for at least one more season, but club chiefs may be forced to sell him if an attractive offer is tabled in the summer.
Liverpool plan to overhaul their midfield unit
Liverpool are eager to revamp their midfield unit when the summer transfer window opens. Players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner are set to leave the club on a free transfer, while Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson appear to be past their prime. Fabinho’s form has massively dipped since the start of the season, and the Reds may also opt to replace him.
Following the struggles of seasoned campaigners for form and fitness, Jurgen Klopp has had to rely on talented young midfielders like Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott quite frequently. While Bajcetic and Elliot have done well, Klopp may avoid risking the players suffering potential burnout at such a young age.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is Klopp’s No.1 target but carries an eye-watering £130m price tag, so the Merseyside outfit may have to look elsewhere to improve their midfield.
Joao Palhinha could be perfect for the Reds
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is the latest name to fall on Liverpool’s radar. Operating generally from a defensive midfield position, he has made 24 league appearances for Fulham this term, scoring three goals so far.
The Portugal international has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the English top-flight, impressing with his tackling, ball-winning skills, energy and tenacity, so he is perfect for a high-pressing system. Palhinha is good on the ball too, and considering he is at the peak of his powers, he could make an immediate impact at Liverpool.
Along with Liverpool, clubs such as Man United, Newcastle, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea could also make a move for Palhinha, so there could potentially be a bidding war for his services in the summer.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
