Arsenal, Man Utd or Liverpool? Palhinha’s perfect Premier League club

Robin Bairner

• 6 Dec 2023 01:46 CST
• 3 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.

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.

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

Data analytics firm SciSports suggest that Man Utd are the player’s best bet if he chooses to move to another Premier League side in January. The Red Devils get a Club Fit score – calculated by looking at aspects such as formation, style, playing time and potential development – of 73.

The Old Trafford outfit’s main strength for Palhinha would be the offer of plenty playing time.

West Ham also get a Club Fit score of 73. While they are weaker in terms of development, they would offer more playing time and a style better suited to him.

Newcastle on 72 and Arsenal on 70 come next, with both sides offering the player development opportunities but less playing time.

Liverpool are well down the list of ideal Premier League destinations, with a Club Fit score of 60. The Anfield side offers development but not game time after they added Ryan Gravenberch to their ranks late in the summer.

Palhinha would be best off staying put, with Fulham coming out with Club Fit score of 77.

Bayern perfect for Palhinha

If he really wishes to push for a move, though, 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.

With Bayern leading the race of Palhinha ahead of January, it’s a transfer he should seriously consider taking advantage of.

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