Manchester United have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of Fulham’s defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha as the January transfer window approaches. The Portuguese international has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years, and his impressive performances in the Premier League this season have only intensified United’s desire to sign him.
With Casemiro’s form declining and Sofyan Amrabat yet to fully convince, Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his midfield options. While Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence has provided some relief, the need for an experienced defensive midfielder remains a priority for United.
Palhinha’s seamless adaptation to the Premier League following his £20 million move from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 has caught the attention of several top clubs. His commanding presence in Marco Silva’s midfield earned him a place in Portugal’s World Cup squad and almost secured him a move to Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day.
However, the deal fell through due to Fulham’s inability to find a suitable replacement in time. Reports indicate that Palhinha had already traveled to Germany for his medical, suggesting his willingness to make the switch. This turn of events could pave the way for Manchester United to reignite their interest in the 28-year-old.
Speaking ahead of Fulham’s clash with Arsenal, Silva expressed his desire to strengthen his squad’s depth in January. He acknowledged the need for more consistency and emphasized the importance of building squad depth, particularly with injuries being a recurring issue.
The potential sale of Palhinha would provide Fulham with a significant financial boost, enabling Silva to pursue his squad-building ambitions. The reported £55 million fee agreed upon with Bayern Munich would be a substantial addition to Fulham’s transfer kitty.
With the January transfer window just around the corner, Manchester United may seize the opportunity to address their defensive midfield woes by making a renewed push for Joao Palhinha. His availability, combined with Fulham’s openness to adding depth to their squad, could set the stage for a potential move to Old Trafford.