Barcelona to rival Man Utd for £80m Premier League star

Updated: 7 Sept 2023 19:03 BST
4 min read

Xavi, Joan Laporta, Barcelona — © ProShots

Barcelona will rival Bayern and Manchester United for Joao Palhinha's signature, according to Spanish media.

The Portuguese midfielder has become one of Europe's most sought-after commodities following his performances for Fulham. Indeed, the 28-year-old was on the verge of sealing his 'dream' move to Bayern Munich on Deadline Day, but the Cottagers could not find a replacement in time and refused to give the green light.

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Despite Palhinha already having completed his medical and media duties in Munich, he was forced to fly back to London and will once again line up for Fulham in the Premier League - but likely only until January.

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CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen hinted at a January transfer when he said that, "you always see each other twice in life," while Palhinha's agent, his brother Goncalo, recently proclaimed: "They didn't kill the dream, they just postponed it. Very proud of my brother and the player I represent."

However, Bayern aren't the only club taking a keen interest in the Fulham star.

Barcelona and Man Utd

The Athletic recently reported that Man Utd are also looking at Palhinha as a potential January option despite managing to snap up Erik ten Hag's midfield target Sofyan Amrabat on loan on Deadline Day.

Moreover, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barcelona have also begun keeping an eye on the Portuguese in anticipation of making a January move.

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It must be said, though, that a move to Barcelona seems unlikely at this stage given the club's financial problems. Fulham have been said to be demanding up to £80 million for Palhinha, which is a sum that a club that struggled to register loan signings in the summer surely can't muster.

Besides Palhinha, the Blaugrana are also looking at Arsenal's Jorginho, Guido Rodriguez of Real Betis and Florentino Luis at Benfica as potential options.