MX23RW : Monday, February 3 06:50:21| >> :120:29171:29171:

Barcelona interested in Fulham's Joao Palhinha?

Barcelona interested in Fulham's Joao Palhinha?
© Reuters
Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is being linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Joao Palhinha from Fulham.

The Catalan giants enjoyed a successful 2022-23 campaign, winning their first La Liga title as well as the Spanish Super Cup.

Despite winning two pieces of silverware, there is still room for improvement after being eliminated in the Champions League group stage for the second straight season.

Xavi is keen to assemble a squad that can compete in Europe's biggest club competition, and the midfield has been identified as an area that needs strengthening.

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona, but they are still in the market for a Sergio Busquets replacement.

Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on April 26, 2023© Reuters

Busquets, who left the club at the end of the season, will join Inter Miami, where he will link up with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

According to Sport, via the Daily Mail, Barcelona have identified Palhinha as someone that could fill the void left by the veteran midfielder.

The club's new sporting director Deco is an admirer of the 27-year-old's ability to break up play and he has endorsed a move for the Portugal international.

After completing a £15m transfer from Sporting Lisbon last summer, Palhinha went on to make 40 competitive appearances, chipping in with four goals.

Joao Palhinha celebrates scoring for Fulham on September 16, 2022© Reuters

Palhinha still has four years left to run on his deal, which includes an option for Fulham to extend by a further year.

With the midfielder under contract until at least 2027, the Cottagers are set a significant asking price of £90m.

Due to Barcelona's current economic situation, they may find it difficult to raise the necessary funds to meet Fulham's financial demands.

The Catalan giants are believed to be considering Benfica's Florentino Luis as a cheaper alternative to the Fulham man.

West Ham United are also in the race for Palhinha, having identified as a potential replacement for Declan Rice, who is expected to leave this summer.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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