Forget Gravenberch! Liverpool NEED Bayern target Palhinha

James Shearman

Updated: 31 Aug 2023 19:14 BST
3 min read

Joao Palhinha, Fulham, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Liverpool are in talks to sign Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich - who are in pursuit of Fulham's Joao Palhinha.

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The Reds are looking to add Gravenberch to new midfield signings Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo.

The 21-year-old previously showed promise at Ajax but failed to find a place in Bayern's starting lineup.

He is now set to move to Anfield for a transfer fee of €40 million, with Thomas Tuchel willing to let him leave.

Meanwhile, Bayern have had a €55m offer for Palhinha turned down by Fulham, according to German outlet, Sport.

The Portugal international has agreed the terms of a contract of at least five years, according to journalist Florian Plettenburg, but the two clubs have yet to agree a fee.

Liverpool need Palhinha

While Gravenberch is undoubtedly a good player, who was never given the opportunity the make a name for himself in the Bundesliga, he is not the profile that Liverpool need.

Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are excellent 'number 8' options, while Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara provide solid depth.

So, Gravenberch will regularly take to the pitch at Anfield, but rarely for the full 90 minutes.

João Palhinha told Fulham that he’d like to join Bayern. There’s an agreement on personal terms over contract valid until June 2028. 🔴🇵🇹 #FCBayern

Fulham still need important replacement to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/iKvvxk6yM0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023

Instead of giving Bayern the funds to sign Palhinha, they should be signing the 28-year-old themselves.

As it stands, The Reds' only true holding midfielder is Endo, who is nothing more than a decent player.

He is not capable of filling the void left by Fabinho, whereas Palhinha certainly is.

The former Sporting man enjoyed an excellent 2022-23 season at Fulham, making the most tackles of anyone in the league - 47 more than second place Moises Caicedo.