West Ham United step up move for £50m-rated Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha
West Ham United are pressing ahead with their move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg.
talkSPORT reported on 10 June that the Hammers had identified the 27-year-old as a replacement for Declan Rice. It was believed the Portuguese international had a release clause.
Steinberg has since shared on 19 June that the Fulham man is valued at around £50million and that Marco Silva is reluctant to lose him during the summer window.
David Moyes has identified Palhinha as a “key” target and it’s understood West Ham must assess whether he is worth that value.
Up for debate
At present, the Fulham midfielder is probably worth that much – but his age has to be considered. His performances during the 2022/23 season have certainly seen his stock rise but just how many good years of service with the 27-year-old give the Hammers.
Three or four at best?
If you are going to shell out £50million-plus, you should be expecting at least four to five years of top-quality output. Furthermore, we are talking about a Rice replacement here. The board cannot get this piece of recruitment wrong.
With £100million set to arrive in the coffers, the board will be in a strong position. It will allow Moyes’ squad to undergo significant surgery. A new striker, a couple of midfielders and a winger would mark a successful window for the Hammers.
Let’s hope there’s more success compared to the 2022 summer window, with Maxwel Cornet, Gianluca Scamacca and Flynn Downes being largely disappointing additions.