Manchester United Step Up Interest in Fulham Midfielder Joao Palhinha

According to latest reports in England, Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Fulham star Joao Palhinha. Manager Erik ten Hag is seeking midfield reinforcements ahead of next season and the Portuguese midfielder is said to be target for the club.

Palhinha arrived at Fulham from Sporting Lisbon for a mere £20m last summer, but the club are already bracing themselves for a fight to keep hold of their star. He has been a mainstay for the Cottagers this season, having featured 33 times in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has played a massive role in the club rising up the Premier League table this campaign, currently standing ninth and are almost certain to finish in the top half of the table. The midfielder has been sensational for Marco Silva’s side, attracting interest from several top Premier League clubs.

According to The Sun, Manchester United are closely monitoring Joao Palhinha and could make a move in the upcoming summer window. The report states that the West London side could demand a fee of at around £60m for his transfer.

However, the Red Devils could face a battle for the midfielder’s signature. As per reports, Tottenham Hotspur are readying a move while Chelsea are also keen on the player, but Ten Hag’s side do have the added advantage of Champions League football.

Moreover, Fulham seem to have identified FC Porto’s Mateus Uribe as the defensive midfielder’s replacement, as reported The Sun. The Cottagers have reportedly contacted Uribe’s representatives and are in talks with Porto. Since the 30-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, a deal to bring him to the Premier League could be finalised soon.

🚨 Manchester United are looking at a summer move for Fulham's João Palhinha.

Although, they face competition from a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham.

(Source: Sun Sport) pic.twitter.com/F9N0WW7Ofm

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 13, 2023

If Manchester United were to sign Joao Palhinha, it would not necessarily be the type of play-maker profile that Ten Hag was looking for. Nonetheless, the Portuguese’s addition would bring more physicality to the midfield, an aspect which was only recently boosted at Old Trafford by the acquisition of Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer.

Player Analysis

Joao Palhinha joined Fulham last summer from Sporting CP in a £20 million deal. He has been an integral part of the team’s midfield during his debut Premier League season and has played a significant role in the team’s rise up the table. He has scored four goals in 33 appearances this season (stats via Transfermarkt).

He is known for his impressive physicality, which allows him to dominate midfield battles and win back possession for his team. The Portuguese is also a skilled tackler and has a keen ability to read the game, making him an effective ball-winner.

João Palhinha being João Palhinha. pic.twitter.com/UntXrNvjdX

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 11, 2023

The 27-year-old’s aerial ability is another standout feature of his game. He is 6 foot 3 inches tall, making him a formidable presence in the air. This allows him to win headers and clearances effectively, while also providing a threat in the opposition box during set-pieces.

Joao Palhinha is a complete defensive midfielder who possesses a range of skills that could make him an effective and valuable player in Erik ten Hag’s system. His physicality, defensive ability, passing range, and aerial prowess make him a versatile and well-rounded player who can contribute in both attack and defence. His attributes will get even better under Ten Hag’s coaching philosophy, in turn enhancing Manchester United’s title aspirations.

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