Former Premier League defender Jason Cundy believes Joao Palhinha is bound to catch the eye of big-hitting clubs with the Fulham enforcer potentially now in the £50 million bracket, speaking to talkSPORT (28 February, 10.30pm).
You’ve got your Bistos. Your Oxos. Palhinha, however, is different gravy entirely.
With just two contrasting yet equally awe-inspiring touches of the ball, Fulham’s Portuguese powerhouse showcased either side of his remarkably well-rounded game during Tuesday’s 2-0 FA Cup fifth round victory over Leeds United at Craven Cottage.
First, the aggression, the timing and the anticipation to snatch a loose ball. And, then, the technique and the poise to whip a sublime first-time shot in off the far post from 25 yards. Find yourself a guy who can do both and all that.
And Cundy, formerly of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, believes Fulham could be in for a long summer. Every club wants an elite-level ‘number six’, and Fulham have one of the very best.
Will Fulham face a battle to hang onto Joao Palhinha?
“I cannot see him being there next year,” Cundy predicts, while professing his admiration for a Cottagers side continuing to pull up trees under Marco Silva. “You know when someone says they don’t mean to offend, and then they immediately do!
“I think a lot of big heads will be looking at him. He is reaching his potential, and he’s a very, very good player.”
Fulham paid £20 million for Palhinha in July, encountering a remarkable lack of competition for a man who, while averaging by far and away the most tackles per game in the Premier League, is also putting together an enviable collection of long-range rockets.
“If Fulham get offered £50 million for him, they’re going to take that,” Cundy adds. “He is at the peak of his powers, as good as anyone.
“The only problem is he picks up a lot of bookings (10 in 24 games). He needs to somehow temper that. But everyone else about his game; closing down, winning challenges, scoring goals as we saw tonight.
“I mean, what a brilliant goal.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
