Man Utd considering an unconventional approach as they ‘eye move’ to bring another Casemiro to the club
According to reports, Manchester United is considering making an unconventional move by pursuing Fulham’s Joao Palhinha in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The team is seeking to bolster their midfield by adding a player similar to Casemiro.
It is expected that the Red Devils will be looking for a new central midfielder when the bidding opens at the end of the season, as they prepare for a renewed challenge for the Premier League title under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.
Despite being linked with high-profile targets like Jude Bellingham, Frenkie de Jong, and Moises Caicedo, Manchester United may choose not to compete for the biggest names in the transfer market.
Instead, under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, they are reportedly interested in signing Joao Palhinha from Fulham, which could cost them around £40 million.
Although Fulham boss Marco Silva wants to keep the Portuguese midfielder, the club’s willingness to sell may depend on the potential profit they could make from the £17 million they paid Sporting for him less than a year ago.
The reported £40 million price tag for Palhinha takes into account the fact that he has a long-term contract with Fulham, with four years left to run, and the club also has an option to extend it until 2028.
Palhinha’s impressive performance this season has earned him the title of completing more tackles than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues.
He has been an essential player for Fulham, who have exceeded expectations by contending for a top-six finish in the Premier League after being promoted last season.
Several top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, are all reportedly interested in Palhinha.
However, Manchester United could have an advantage in the race to sign him, as some of their rivals tend to focus on younger players with potential rather than established players like Palhinha.
It is unclear whether or not Palhinha will end up at Manchester United, but former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy believes that the Portuguese midfielder may leave Fulham for bigger and better opportunities at the end of the current season.
“I cannot see him being there next year,” Cundy told talkSPORT earlier this month. “You know when someone says they don’t mean to offend, and then they immediately do! I think a lot of big heads will be looking at him. He is reaching his potential, and he’s a very, very good player.
“If Fulham get offered £50m for him, they’re going to take that. He is, at the peak of his powers, as good as anyone. The only problem is he picks up a lot of bookings.He needs to somehow temper that, but everything else about his game; closing down, winning challenges, scoring goals.”
Man Utd considering an unconventional approach as they ‘eye move’ to bring another Casemiro to the club
