Fulham will pull off a coup when Joao Palhinha moves to the Premier League outfit for just £18 million, former Sporting Lisbon ace Fernando Mendes tells CMTV, translated by Leonino.
Less than 12 months ago, the-then Portuguese champions had Palhinha’s suitors running for the hills after making it clear that the 6ft 4ins midfield maestro would not be going anywhere for a penny less than £50 million.
So while £18 million is hardly the sort of sum you’d find down the back of the sofa, the feeling is that Fulham are about to snatch a bargain that would make Tim Wonnacott’s head spin – even if the Portugal international is set to become the joint-third most expensive player in the Cottagers’ history.
“Last season, there was an opportunity to sell Palhinha for a bigger fee,” says Mendes. “But Sporting wanted to keep the player.
“I think it’s a low sum, from what I’ve seen. He was an important player for Sporting but I want him to be very happy at the new club.”
Fulham should finally sign Sporting Lisbon’s Joao Palhinha soon
Danny Murphy, the former Fulham skipper, describes Palhinha’s transfer fee as a ‘steal’. And that £18 million should look very well spent. Especially if the one-time Tottenham Hotspur target proves to be the difference between survival and relegation, with Marco Silva’s side looking to avoid a repeat of 2019 and 2021.
“I’ve seen him play for Portugal,” Murphy, who captained Fulham in their Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid back in 2010, tells talkSPORT. “And, I tell you what, I was really impressed with him.
“This looks like a steal!”
Palhinha was expected to finally bring an end to a drawn out transfer saga this week. But there is still one obstacle that must be overcome first. According to The Sun, a dispute between the agents involved in the deal are holding up the transfer.
Though, with Palhinha agreeing a four-year deal worth £40,000-a-week some time ago, that feels like a mere pothole in the road.
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