Liverpool remain interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window, but they are far from alone in being in the mix.
The Reds are still buoyant after winning the EFL Cup on Sunday afternoon, clinching their first trophy of the season and keeping the quadruple dream alive.
It won’t be long until Jurgen Klopp’s time as manager comes to an end, however, and it is vital that the club have a plan in place for after he moves on.
That includes transfers, ensuring Liverpool’s next manager has the right players in his squad, and one player who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Palhinha.
Now, a new update has emerged regarding a possible switch for the Portuguese, with Football Insider confirming the Reds’ interest in him, as well as Bayern Munich, who are arguably front-runners:
“Bayern Munich remain alongside the likes of Liverpool in the race for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, sources have told Football Insider. The German giants are still keen to land the 28-year-old despite the imminent departure of Thomas Tuchel.
“It is believed Tuchel is a big fan of Palhinha and was a major driving force behind their push to land him last summer (2023) – which was eventually blocked by Fulham on deadline day. But the ex-Chelsea boss revealed his decision to quit Bayern earlier this week in a dramatic new twist following their poor recent form.”
The report goes on to state that “a well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Portugal international remains on their shortlist”, and “club chiefs in the corridors of power at Bayern are ‘big admirers'” of the Fulham ace.
Our thoughts on Liverpool signing Palhinha this summer…
Palhinha is such an impressive player, having a huge impact in Fulham’s midfield and making more tackles than any other player in the Premier League this season.
He does turn 29 years of age in the summer, however, and considering how much the Cottagers will demand for his services, Liverpool would be wise to look at a younger option.
The Reds could potentially only have Palhinha at his absolute best for a short space of time, so there would be a risk to signing him that doesn’t need to be taken.
Should Liverpool make a move for him, there would still be reason for positivity – he has averaged 4.8 tackles per game in the league in 2023/24 to date – but it would have made far more sense a few years ago.
