Joao Palhinha could end up making a return to the Premier League this summer as his move to Bayern Munich has not really gone according to plan. Fulham and West Ham United have emerged as two potential destinations for the Portuguese international.
According to Graeme Bailey via TBR Football, Graham Potter is keen on having Palhinha in his squad at West Ham. He has asked the Hammers to battle it out with the Cottagers to sign the 29-year-old ahead of next season.
The East London club did not have the best of seasons last time out, and they will be looking to make significant additions to their squad in hopes of making a comeback. Graham Potter, who took charge at the start of the year, did manage to steady the ship. But now, he will be looking to take the next step and will hope he has the backing of the management in the transfer market.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss seeks more quality in midfield, and he has his eyes set on Palhinha. The 29-year-old made quite a name for himself while playing for Fulham. On the back of his impressive performances, Bayern Munich forked out £47 million to add him to their squad last summer.
Unfortunately, the move has not worked out as the Portuguese international has struggled to establish himself in Vincent Kompany’s team. He racked up less than 1,000 minutes of first-team action.
While talking about Palhinha’s future to TBR Football, Bailey said: “I do know that Fulham have kept in touch but I guess that was part of their deal that they would. I know that Graeme Potter would love him at West Ham, but West Ham are in all sorts of problems. They can’t do anything until they get player sales.
“But obviously, Palhinha, the deal he’s on. I guess anyone would struggle to do a permanent deal. But I think Palhinha is one to keep an eye on. I think we could see him come back. I don’t see him going anywhere but London. I wouldn’t rule out a Fulham loan, I really wouldn’t.”
Frustrated by the lack of minutes, Joao Palhinha is ready to part ways with Bayern Munich, and recent reports suggest the German club are ready to sanction his departure. A host of clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation, and West Ham United and Fulham are among them.
The Cottagers are in conversation as they want to re-sign him. A loan move back to his former club cannot be ruled out. But the Hammers are ready to battle them at the request of their manager. Potter wants someone who can strengthen the defensive side of things and provide some balance.
He considers Palhinha an ideal fit, and with him set to be available, this could be a golden opportunity for Potter’s team. However, they can’t spend before they cash in on a few of their players. As a result, they do have their task cut out.
