West Ham United transfer news as Joao Palhinha wanted to replace Declan Rice
West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer and have identified him as their top target to replace Declan Rice, according to the Daily Mail.
The Portuguese international only joined the Cottagers last summer in a £15m move from Sporting, and has enjoyed a sensational first season in the Premier League, becoming the division’s duel-king with 147 tackles and 83 tackles won [FBRef].
With the Hammers set to lose Declan Rice with Arsenal and Bayern Munich lurking, they have identified the Fulham ace as the ideal replacement.
According to the Daily Mail [8 June], West Ham United remain confident of prizing him away from Craven Cottage this summer as they prepare to spend big to improve the squad, especially after their Europa Conference League final win on Wednesday [7 June].
Euro incentive
After Wednesday’s European heroics, confirming their place in next season’s Europa League, West Ham United can now certainly become an attractive proposition for top-tier players this summer.
And given the potential windfall they’re about to receive for Rice’s services this summer, it is indeed set to be an exciting and busy summer at the London Stadium and it is easy to see why Palhinha has emerged as a top target to replace Rice.
The 27-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders, winning the most tackles in Europe’s top-five leagues (83), the most in the Premier League and also recorded the highest number of dribbles tackled (71) [FBRef] highlighting his exceptional off-the-ball work.
Rice’s departure is set to leave a gaping hole in the West Ham United midfield, and there remains no better player out there to plug that potential gap than Palhinha.
With Europa League football on the horizon for David Moyes and his men, they can offer Palhinha something Fulham can’t which may sway his decision to leave the Cottagers.
Whatever big-money price Fulham demand, West Ham United must cash in.