Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha confirms transfer plan amid Liverpool links
Joao Palhinha delivered an update on his Fulham future ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Liverpool last night – confirming his intention to leave the club.

The Portugal international has excelled since signing for Marco Silva’s side from Sporting in 2022. Palhinha recorded the most tackles of any player in the Premier League last term as he helped lead the newly-promoted Cottagers to a 10th-placed finish, becoming an instant hit with supporters.

His standout performances attracted attention in the summer from Bayern Munich, who looked set to sign him for around £60m, only for the deal to collapse at the final stages due to Fulham failing to find a replacement. Bayern were not the only club interested in Palhinha, though, with Liverpool reported to have had him on a shortlist of targets as they rebuilt their midfield.

The Reds have continued to be linked with a move for Palhinha to bolster their Premier League title hopes, while both Arsenal and Manchester United have been touted as possible destinations for the defensive midfielder. With speculation growing during the January transfer window, Palhinha has spoken out about his future.

“I’ve always said that I feel the love that the supporters have for me,” he told Sky Sports before the Cottagers’ 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. “I know that someday I will leave Fulham. I want to give everything. I’m always 100 per cent professional here, and I will do my job every time that I play for Fulham.”

While the Reds will be placing their immediate focus on preventing Palhinha and the Cottagers from staging a second-leg comeback in west London on January 24, he has hinted that he is keen to stay in England.

“This is why I always wanted to come here: to come to the best league in the world,” Palhinha added. “My family looked for the best league for my game and where I fit better.”