West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Armed with the £105m fee raised from Declan Rice’s sale to Arsenal, the Hammers are now seeking a midfield replacement. And their search has led to them being linked with a number of players.
According to talkSPORT, West Ham are in talks with Fulham over the signing of Joao Palhinha and are hopeful of prising him away from Craven Cottage for around £40million.
Palhinha, 28, enjoyed a fantastic debut season in the Premier League after joining Fulham from Sporting CP last summer. He has been a difference-maker for Marco Silva’s side, completing more tackles and interceptions (193) than any other player in the division.
The Portugal international made 35 Premier League appearances, netting three goals and helping the Cottagers clinch a top-half finish in the 2022/23 season. Palhinha’s performances in his debut season in England haven’t gone unnoticed, with several clubs vying for his signature including West Ham.
Joao Palhinha to West Ham—Right option for David Moyes?
West Ham are pursuing Fulham’s Joao Palhinha in response to Declan Rice’s big-money move to Arsenal last week.
The departure of Rice, who had previously expressed his desire to play in the Champions League and compete for major honours, was inevitable but it has provided a big blow to West Ham. There is no doubt that David Moyes will be desperate to quickly fill in the void left by Rice as the England international has had a huge influence on the club’s success in recent seasons.
Considering the 24-year-old midfielder’s class and poise, the Hammers practically don’t stand a chance of signing a direct replacement, as claimed by David Moyes. However, what the east London club can do is sign a player that comes close to the skill set of their former skipper.
Palhinha, in that regard, would be a perfect fit at the London Stadium. He should slot in well at the heart of West Ham’s midfield, shielding their defence as Rice did as well as controlling the tempo of play. Strong in the air and tenacious in the tackle, the Portuguese midfielder’s combative playing style should help Moyes’ side in transitions and quick counter-attacks. He has got a real understanding and nous of positioning himself which will help West Ham in cutting out a lot of attacks before it grows.
At 28, Palhinha is at the top of his game, and he would boost West Ham’s squad that won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season. The ex-Sporting CP man could make a huge difference for Moyes’ side and help them challenge for a top-half finish next year.
With that being said, if the Hammers could secure a deal for Palhinha for around £40million it would be a major coup of sorts for the club and if he can hit the ground running at the London Stadium, he would be the ideal successor for Rice next season.
