West Ham United transfer update emerges on Joao Palhinha amid Marco Silva news at Fulham as Liverpool push forward
A dramatic day at Fulham appears to have made the chances of West Ham landing Joao Palhinha “very slim”, according to Alex Crook, although Sacha Tavolieri has reported his departure is still “likely”.
The Portuguese midfielder is one of the Irons’ top targets to help fill the gap left by Declan Rice, but they have already had two bids rejected, with the second worth £50million [ExWHUEmployee via Patreon, 22 July].
And with Liverpool entering the frame as both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson head to Saudi Arabia, coupled with Fulham boss Marco Silva’s decision to reject a major offer to follow them [Sky Sports, 23 July], the Hammers’ hopes appear to be diminishing.
RMC Sport journalist Tavolieri wrote on Twitter Sunday (23 July): “Fulham FC now seeking for solutions for as likely departure of João Palhinha in the market… The London club asks for 60MEUR [£51.9m] to sell the player.
“Liverpool FC as the most keen club to get him. He could be the chosen one near by Romeo Lavia’s affair in the midfield. Movements and developments are expected for next week on both cases.”
TalkSPORT’s Crook then reported via Twitter, in light of Silva’s decision: “On a day of positive news for FFC understand WHUFC now believe their chances of signing Palhinha are very slim. Have had two bids rejected.”
Blow
If Palhinha goes nowhere this summer, which seems more likely thanks to Silva not abandoning ship, then it would represent an obvious frustration for David Moyes and West Ham.
They would have to move on quickly and make a concerted push to land one of their many, many other midfield targets.
But if he does move, and for not a huge amount more than the Irons have already bid, only to end up at Anfield, it would be a major kick in the teeth.
There are evidently numerous moving parts in the Palhinha transfer equation, at the London Stadium, Craven Cottage and Anfield, with only the Hammers apparently not directly affected by Saudi offers.
But whether the race is over or not is difficult to determine, and either way West Ham need to get some decisive results soon.
Moyes still hasn’t signed anyone this summer and the new campaign is less than three weeks away from kicking off (12 August at Bournemouth).
The delays in the Rice deal getting done can partly explain that but the lack of action since that was completed is not an encouraging sign.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has added another name to the ever-growing list of Irons midfield targets.