Liverpool’s Midfield Targets Narrowed by Injury to Fulham’s Joao Palhinha
With Jordan Henderson and Fabinho heading for the exit with moves to the Saudi Pro League near, Liverpool are weighing up moves for their replacements. It is imperative that at least one new midfielder be brought in, with the ideal scenario being to sign two, but it remains to be seen who will emerge as priority targets.
One of the names that had been touted as an option was Fulham‘s Portuguese defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, with the 28-year-old first linked back in March. However, his side’s pre-season preparations continued with a 3-2 win over Brentford in the US, Palhinha was struck down with a shoulder injury.
His shirt was fashioned into a makeshift sling by medical staff before he was replaced by Kevin Mbabu shortly before half-time. Later, he was seen leaving the Lincoln Financial Field in discomfort, with Fulham manager Marco Silva predicting a dislocated shoulder.
Extent of Palhinha’s Injury Unclear
While the extent of Palhinha’s injury is as yet unclear, it is certainly not good news for the midfielder – and its timing could be decisive. Liverpool are unlikely to bring in an injured player this summer, as the emphasis will be on signing immediate starters in the wake of Henderson and Fabinho‘s moves.
A similar situation may have unfolded with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone earlier in the summer, with a knee injury on duty with the France under-21s seeing speculation fade.
Fulham Rejected £45 Million Bid from West Ham
Whether Palhinha was considered as a viable target, of course, is up for debate – Fulham had already rejected a £45 million bid from West Ham and are claimed to value him at £80 million.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will pursue a move for Palhinha, or if his injury has seen him drop off their list of potential targets. With Henderson and Fabinho both set to leave Anfield this summer, it is imperative that Liverpool bring in at least one new midfielder – and preferably two – to replace them.
The Reds have already been linked with a number of players, including Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak, but Palhinha had been seen as an intriguing option due to his defensive capabilities and experience in the Premier League.