Liverpool are reportedly unlikely to sign Joao Palhinha this summer due to the midfielder’s age, with the Fulham star seemingly too old for what the Reds are looking for.
According to the Independent, the 28-year-old Portuguese international is a player who has impressed Liverpool as the Anfield side continue to look for midfield targets. However, Palhinha’s age is unlikely to result in Jurgen Klopp’s team actually making a move for the Fulham man.
As per the report, Liverpool are on the hunt for a young midfield option to potentially replace Fabinho, with Palhinha just one year younger than the Brazilian international, with the likes of Romeo Lavia and Cheick Doucoure also wanted by the Reds.
One more factor that could stop Liverpool from now signing Palhinha is the midfielder’s price tag, with the Daily Mail recently reporting that Fulham want as much as £60m for the former Sporting Lisbon star after taking the Premier League by storm last season.
Indeed, Palhinha could be a great addition for Liverpool if the midfielder was three or four years younger. However, with the Reds having a clear profile in mind, the Fulham dynamo might be too similar to Fabinho to really evolve the squad into something different.
Liverpool moving on from Palhinha might be for the best
Palhinha is without question one of the best success stories a Premier League side has experienced in some time, with the midfielder arguably the sole reason why Fulham were as good as they were last season. Yet for Liverpool, not targeting the Portuguese international might be for the best.
As we know, Liverpool want a younger replacement for Fabinho. And whilst Palhinha could be an ideal signing, the 28-year-old’s age is a major issue for the Reds, with someone like Lavia a more suitable and cheaper option for the Merseyside giants.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
