Jamie O’Hara labels West Ham United target Joao Palhinha ‘top player’ and says Fulham fans will not be happy
TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has labelled West Ham target Joao Palhinha a “top player” amid recent reports linking him to the East Londoners.
The radio station tweeted on 16 July that the Hammers are in talks with Fulham over a deal for the Portuguese international and are hoping to strike a deal worth £40million as they look to replace Declan Rice following his £105million move to Arsenal.
Responding to the news on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show on 17 July, O’Hara said: “Fulham fans will not be happy to be losing him that’s for sure, he’s a top player.”
Tough competition
There is no doubt Palhinha certainly caught the eye at Fulham last season after the West Londoners paid £20million to draft him in from Sporting Lisbon just a year ago.
The 28-year-old, who has been capped by Portugal 21 times since making his debut in 2021, scored three goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season.
But it was the midfielder’s defensive abilities for The Cottagers that really stood out during the last campaign, having made 147 tackles to top the charts – a remarkable 47 more than his nearest competitor (Premier League).
The Liverpool Echo reported on 17 July that Liverpool are “back in” for Palhinha after they were previously put off by the £90million price tag the Daily Mail said Fulham boss Marco Silva had put on his head.
It’s clear the Hammers could face tough competition if they want to bring the midfielder to the London Stadium this summer, but he would be an excellent signing if we can get it over the line.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are hopeful of signing another midfielder this week.