Joao Palhinha reveals ‘excellent’ West Ham United bid to sign him before talks with Fulham chiefs
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha has revealed to O Jogo that West Ham made an “excellent offer” for his services last summer.
The defensive midfielder was also the subject of a failed bid from Bayern Munich late in that window.
The Portuguese newspaper outlines the importance of a scheduled contract renewal – which took place last September – in convincing the Portuguese to stay at Craven Cottage.
When asked if the new deal he signed – which runs until 2028 – was compensation for the collapsed move to Bavaria, Palhinha said (O Jogo, page 12 of print edition, 28 March): “No. The renewal had already been scheduled since our pre-season training camp in the United States.
“At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham’s owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract. I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market.”
Could West Ham return for Joao Palhinha this summer?
West Ham’s approach for Palhinha and recent January loan move for Kalvin Phillips indicate that manager David Moyes is keen to recruit a holding midfielder, particularly following the departure of former captain Declan Rice to Arsenal for a club-record fee.
However, with Phillips underwhelming thus far and a permanent move for the Manchester City loanee looking unlikely, it is possible the Hammers will look to land another defensive specialist in the summer – and Palhinha would surely prove an astute signing.
The 28-year-old has performed superbly since joining Fulham in 2022, establishing himself as one of the division’s premier defensive midfielders – he ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this season, recording an impressive average of 6.8.
However, the Irons may find it difficult to lure Palhinha across London if Bayern revisit their interest – or if other top clubs across Europe join the race for his signature.
In other West Ham news, a ticketing scandal has emerged ahead of the Irons’ Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
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