Barcelona join Manchester United in chase for Bayern Munich target João Palhinha
Barcelona are reportedly looking to secure the signing of Manchester United target João Palhinha, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Fulham player almost signed for Bayern Munich on the deadline day.
Munich agreed a fee of around €65 million for the defensive midfielder with Fulham but the deal eventually collapsed. Fulham failed to secure a suitable replacement for the Portuguese international which led to the failed transfer.
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder played a pivotal role at Fulham last season. Palhinha has made 43 appearances for Fulham so far while scoring 5 goals for the London club.
Palhinha is a combative defensive midfielder. He has the ability to make precise tackles and interceptions and act like a shield right in front of the defensive line. The Portuguese are also very efficient in aerial duels and have an incredible physical presence.
Barcelona also sealed João Cancelo and João Félix on a season-long loan deal. The Spanish giants also signed İlkay Gündoğan and Iñigo Martínez for free.
But Oriol Romeu’s transfer seemed like a compromise. He hasn’t put a big foot wrong so far, but one can see that he is a player that they may want to upgrade upon sooner rather than later. And that is why their apparent interest in Palhinha makes sense.
The Red Devils signed energetic midfielder Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina on a season-long loan deal to fortify their midfield further. Palhinha might become a serious target for United if they continue to show vulnerability in the midfield department.
United are currently in 11th position in the English Premier League due to a poor start to the season. Amrabat is yet to debut for the club.
Palhinha is coveted by top clubs like Barcelona, United, and Munich because he will be a valuable asset for any top club, currently playing in the prime years of his career.
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Barcelona and Manchester United’s inclusion in the chase makes the situation a lot more interesting as the Portuguese star has some serious choices to make. A move to Old Trafford, of course, means he won’t have to relocate countries once again but one can sense he will have a better shot at starting for Barcelona if Erik ten Hag doesn’t play a double pivot here.
