West Ham United line up move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palinha as release clause emerges
West Ham United are lining up Fulham midfielder Joao Palinha as a replacement for Declan Rice, according to talkSPORT.
Rice has most likely played his last game for the Hammers and has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Bayern Munich in recent weeks.
Palinha, 27, has enjoyed a stellar campaign for Marco Silva’s side after joining during the summer of 2022. talkSPORT reported on 10 June that the Portuguese midfielder is believed to have a release clause in his contract.
Astute
This would be an extremely astute piece of business from the Hammers. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer for Fulham during the 2022/23 season and could well be destined to move on to bigger and better things during the off-season.
A replacement for Rice is certainly required and the if the midfielder does have a release clause, this could be a bargain buy. He’s in the prime of his career and would certainly soften the blow of Rice’s departure. His exit from the London Stadium is now a foregone conclusion.
Arsenal remain the most likely destination, but it’s clear the Gunners will have to pay West Ham’s valuation. David Sullivan isn’t going to budge when it comes to his most valuable asset.
West Ham have to be savvy during the off-season. They’re likely to receive a hefty fee for their talisman and it’s essential that money is re-invested wisely.
David Moyes is almost certain to remain at the London Stadium next season. It’s vitally important he is backed once again to ensure the Hammers can compete on all fronts next season.