It wasn’t long ago that Joao Palhinha had appeared likely to become a Liverpool player.
The Fulham midfielder was copiously linked with a move to Anfield over last summer and even into the most recent January transfer window.
But with a whopping price-tag on his head, Palhinha joining Liverpool was never really realistic. Despite the 28-year-old’s agents reportedly urging the Reds to bring him in, they never did.
Although Palhinha is undoubtedly a good player, Liverpool have surely been vindicated in their approach. After a barnstorming first season at Craven Cottage, the Portugal international hasn’t really recaptured his form of 2022/23.
Still, that doesn’t mean that Palhinha can’t live his Anfield dream vicariously through others. And having seen his former manager at Sporting – Ruben Amorim – become favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp, the midfielder has given the coach his backing.
Joao Palhinha backs Ruben Amorim for Liverpool
Having successfully made the step from Sporting to the Premier League, Palhinha is an interesting voice on this subject.
Given that he also played under Amorim for two seasons, he is well worth listening to as Liverpool court the 39-year-old. Having been asked by O Jogo whether his former coach had the quality to make the step up to Anfield, Palhinha gave an encouraging answer.
“Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal, he has done an excellent job since Braga,” raved the Fulham man.
“He has an in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players,” he added. “The way he’s growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It won’t be for lack of opportunities that he won’t leave Portugal. He dreams and aspires to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands.”
Pushed on whether Amorim could handle the job at Liverpool specifically, Palhinha was equally enthusiastic.
“Yes, of course, although the pressure is different,” he said. “When you coach a big club Portuguese, you have the pressure of the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win. When you coach Liverpool, you have the pressure of the fans, the club, and the whole world. The way he’s growing, I think it’s just a matter of time.”
What’s the latest on Ruben Amorim to Liverpool
After last night’s news that Xabi Alonso is no longer in the running to be Liverpool manager, Amorim has been installed as the de facto favourite.
It was only yesterday that journalist Fabrizio Romano declared the former Braga coach to be the Reds’ second-choice behind Alonso. It stands to reason that Amorim is now pick number one.
If FSG really do want the Sporting manager though, they’re going to have to pay up. His reported £17m release clause would make Amorim the third most expensive managerial signing of all time.
With Liverpool keen to make an appointment before the end of the season though – and not many more quality options besides – the money shouldn’t be a problem.
Liverpool didn’t listen to Palhinha in regards to him joining the Reds, but they should listen to him now!
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