What insiders have said about £60m player joining Liverpool in January

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As January looms on the horizon, Liverpool continue to be linked with potential new additions.

One of the names most regularly mentioned in connection to the Reds has been Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

But despite suggestions that he’d be the perfect signing for Jurgen Klopp, it now looks unlikely that Liverpool will move for the 28-year-old.

The latest to confirm this hunch is journalist Dean Jones. Speaking on the Ranks FC Podcast yesterday, Jones shared the information he’s now being told about Palhinha to Liverpool.

“There is no way Liverpool are paying £60m for Palhinha,” said the journalist. “I’d be so surprised.

“I have checked this with somebody I know who has good ins with Liverpool and he says it is being played down. They are being linked, have been for the best part of a year now, but the likelihood is that this not a transfer Liverpool are going to look to do in January.”

Palhinha off the table for Liverpool

This will continue to be a disappointing story for some Liverpool fans. But from our point of view, we’re not really too bothered.

Although he’s set to miss a chunk of games through his involvement in the Asian Cup in the New Year, Wataru Endo is now stepping up for the Reds.

The 30-year-old’s displays over December – as well as the impending return to fitness of Alexis Mac Allister – have negated the need for a new addition in January.

We’re fine with what we have in holding midfield.

Even if we weren’t, signing Palhinha wouldn’t feel like the silver bullet answer it’s often been painted as.

There’s no question that the Portugal international is an excellent ball winner. He bites into tackles and bullies opposition midfielders. But is that really what Liverpool need right now?

Things have worked well with a shuttler like Endo or a more ball-playing No.6 like Mac Allister. Bringing in Palhinha would mean a slight shift in system. For now, it ain’t broke, then why try and fix it?

Plenty won’t see it that way and would like to see a statement like this made in January with a league there to be won. But that isn’t really Liverpool’s style. If you’re still holding out hope for Palhinha by now, then you’re just lying to yourself. He isn’t coming.