According to Record, as cited by Sport Witness, West Ham United have made an offer to sign Joao Palhinha. However, the situation is a bit complex as the Sporting CP midfielder is currently on loan to SC Braga for the next two years. It is believed Braga will have the option to match any bid from an interested party for Palhinha. Also, they would be paid a fine in case the player exits from Sporting during the two-year loan spell.
The report claims that Braga will look to use that clause to buy him permanently this summer before selling him for a higher profit to the Premier League. That means the Hammers will likely have to fork out a little more than what they had initially planned.
Joao Palhinha’s struggles at Sporting
Palhinha joined the Sporting youth academy way back in 2013. And after gradually making his way through the youth ranks, he was promoted to the first-team in 2016. However, the midfielder was immediately loaned out to Belenenses in the corresponding summer.
He spent only half a season at Belenenses, making 13 league appearances before returning to Sporting in January 2017. But, the 24-year-old’s struggles with lack of game time continued as he ended the 2016/17 campaign by featuring in only 416 minutes of league football for the Leões. This was followed by an equally disappointing 2017/18 campaign that saw him make only two league appearances.
That being said, a loan move to Braga last summer became the turning point of his career as he made the breakthrough he was looking for. The Portuguese played in 23 league matches, helping Os Arcebispos achieve a fourth-place finish in the league. And mostly, Palhinha was expected to play a critical role for the club in the upcoming season.
What can he bring to the table?
A holding midfielder by trade, Palhinha is known for his versatility as he can also feature as a centre-back. He is quite an aggressive player who loves to win back possession for his team. The 24-year-old notably attempted 3.1 tackles per game with a success rate of 77%.
Palhinha also boasts a tall 1.89m frame that gives him a considerable advantage in the air. The midfielder won 2.5 headed duels per game last season. Aside from that, he is a good passer of the ball and can dictate the tempo of the game.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Is Palhinha a good option for West Ham?
Palhinha could be a risky choice for West Ham United given his lack of experience at the highest level of football. But, at the same time, he is quite hard-working. This, coupled with his aggression and commitment, could tune in well with Manuel Pellegrini’s tactical philosophy.
The Portuguese can offer the much-needed backup for star midfielder Declan Rice in the number six slot. Additionally, his versatility would allow Pellegrini to consider him as a potential cover in the central defensive position. But most importantly, it is Palhinha’s robust style of play that could make him a tailor-made fit in the physically astute nature of the Premier League.
Therefore, taking a gamble on this talented midfielder might not be a bad idea for West Ham as they aim to kickstart a new era under Pellegrini next season.
