July 03, (THEWILL) – Joao Palhinha, a midfielder for Sporting CP, has announced his impending €20 million transfer to Fulham and acknowledged that head coach, Marco Silva, was a major factor in his decision.
Despite Molineux being somewhat of a refuge for his compatriots, the Cottagers beat established Premier League rivals, Wolves, to sign the Portugal international. A legal issue that had kept Palhinha from completing the £17 million deal has been resolved.
The 26-year-old will now finish off his medical examinations before signing a five-year contract at Craven Cottage. He expressed his excitement ahead of the move saying: “Playing in the Premier League is a dream that I will fulfil. Now I’m looking for success in the best league in the world and I want to prove my worth. I can only promise that I will do my best.
“I was convinced by the project and the persistence. Marco Silva loved me a lot and it was fundamental because he spoke to me more than once. I spoke to several people who passed through the club and they all gave me good information. I’m sure it will be good for me.”
Palhinha will be Fulham’s first acquisition of the summer, and the recently promoted team hopes to follow that with a move for Andreas Pereira from Manchester United.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
