Wanted by Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool but Palhinha's transfer decision is easy

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 9 Dec 2023 09:28 GMT
• 4 min read

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is the subject of many transfer rumours ahead of the January window, with Arsenal and Manchester United among the Premier League clubs thought to be interested in the 28-year-old.

Palhinha was extensively chased in the summer, and the Telegraph reports that “multiple” Premier League teams are again following the Portugal international ahead of the midseason transfer window.

Bayern Munich are known to be keen on a player that Fulham put an incredible €70 million (£60m) asking price on during the summer.

Sky Deutschland are reporting, however, the Germans will not make a move for the player in January, opening the door for England's top-flight sides to make a successful move.

Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool were all in for Palhinha at that point, and at least the former two of these giants are considering revisiting the case in January.

TeamTalk even suggests all three are interested in the player.

But which Premier League club is the player best suited for?

Data analytics firm SciSports suggest that Arsenal are the player’s best bet if he chooses to move to a Premier League giant in January. The Gunners get a Club Fit score – calculated by looking at aspects such as formation, style, playing time and potential development – of 72.

The Emirates Stadium outfit’s main strength for Palhinha is a balance between playing time and the opportunity to develop his game.

West Ham actually get a better Club Fit score of 73, but realistically this is not a move he would make. While they are weaker in terms of development, they would offer more playing time and a style better suited to him.

Manchester City on 72 and Newcastle on 66 come next, with both sides offering the player development opportunities but less playing time.

Manchester United and Liverpool, who are clubs both interested in the player, are not thought to be good options for him either, with respective Club Fit scores of 65 and 60.

Palhinha would be best off staying put, with Fulham coming out with Club Fit score of 77, yet if he is to leave this January, Arsenal clearly offer him the best option.

Bayern perfect for Palhinha

If he really wishes to push for a move and is prepared to wait for the summer, Bayern Munich are the only team that offers him a better solution than the Cottagers.

FCB score excellently in terms of development and playing time, and while they are weak in style, this is made up in formation.

If the player is prepared to wait until the summer, this looks like an excellent move for him.

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