There’s not much between Joao Palhinha and Al-Musrati. Just three centre-metres, to be precise.
The former is 6ft 3ins, while the latter stands at 6ft 4ins. And the similarities between two of the Primeira Liga’s most physically-imposing central midfielders don’t stop there either.
Both rank towards the top when it comes to interceptions and tackles per game among all the midfielders in the Primeira Liga (WhoScored).
Palhinha’s ability to break up opposition attacks before starting his own with those short, sharp, line-piercing passes helped Sporting Lisbon claim their first domestic title in 20 years last season, while earning him a place in Portugal’s European Championship squad.
Al-Musrati might not have a league title on his CV but, what he lacks in trophies, he certainly makes up for in effectiveness.
“I saw many of his games in the Portuguese league and many others in the Europa League. You could see his importance to the team. He had a great season,” the 26-year-old’s Libya coach, Corentin Martins, tells A Bola.
“He has quality, gives rhythm to the game, calms the play or provides fast passes forward. We also see his tremendous ability for covering the ground. He recovers a lot of balls. He makes me think a little about Danilo, from PSG.”
Wolves agree Joao Palhinha deal as Fulham hold Al-Musrati talks
With Wolverhampton Wanderers hoping to bring in a destructive defensive midfielder this summer, one capable of providing muscle and presence in front of a backline that looked increasingly vulnerable as the campaign progressed, it makes sense that Al-Musrati would join Palhinha on their wish-list.
And not just because Wolves do so much shopping in Portugal that they probably qualify for a loyalty card.
Palhinha and Al-Musrati are roughly the same height. They have roughly the same skillset too. There’s only room for one, however, especially with Lage keen to keep Joao Moutinho and Sport claiming that Wolves are desperate to bring in fresh-faced Barcelona ‘number six’ Nico Gonzalez.
And The Sun believes that Palhinha, rather than Al-Musrati, is the man in pole position for a move to Molineux. The long-time transfer target has already agreed personal terms and could seal a long-awaited £20 million deal in the coming days.
That does not mean Al-Musrati will not be joining him in England. Fulham have been in talks with the 40-cap Libya international since May, with Marco Silva understood to be a big fan. Al-Musrati was recently left out this month’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers as he closes in on a big-money move.
And Fulham fans will be watching developments regarding Wolves and Palhinha closely. Because, while the door to Molineux shuts in Al-Musrati’s face, a window of opportunity should open up in West London.
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