According to a recent report by the Portuguese news outlet Record, West Ham United have enquired over the potential availability of Sporting CP midfielder João Palhinha this summer. However, the Portuguese talent is currently playing for SC Braga on loan until the summer of 2020 which could make it difficult for the Hammers to orchestrate a move in this off-season (via Record).
The Incredible Rise Of João Palhinha
The Lisboa born talent joined Sporting as a young player from Sacavenense back in 2013. He gradually worked his way up the Portuguese outfit’s youth ranks before featuring for their B team in 2014. After a season-long loan spell at Moreirense, Palhinha was finally promoted to play for the Sporting CP senior team.
However, the Portuguese defensive midfielder couldn’t manage to earn regular first-team opportunities at the José Alvalade Stadium. He made a total of 18 appearances for Sporting while scoring two goals for them thus far. He was shipped out to SC Braga on a two-year loan spell last summer.
The 24-year-old featured in 23 league matches for Braga last season, registering two goals while creating two assists. On the defensive end, Palhinha made an average of 2.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored). He has also represented Portugal at various youth levels but is yet to make a senior appearance for his nation.
What Will The Portuguese Sensation Bring To East London?
Palhinha is not among the quickest of players in midfield, but he makes up for his lack of pace by putting in dominant performances at the centre of the park. The Portuguese midfield ace has incredible strength which allows him to dictate proceedings in midfield. He is good in the air and can make some important interceptions for his team.
However, the Liga NOS prospect has been guilty of throwing away possession when attempting to distribute the ball from midfield. The Hammers could offer him an ideal platform to develop his game so that he can be a world-class player in his position someday.
The addition of a defensive midfielder like Palhinho will undoubtedly add some much-needed bite to Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield at the London Stadium. West Ham can improve on their poor defensive record from last season by bringing the Portuguese talent to East London this summer.
