According to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now close to completing a deal for ‘long-term target’ Joao Palhinha.
The Lowdown: Wolves close to signing Palhinha
It was revealed by The Athletic back in April that Bruno Lage was considering making a move for the 26-year-old, with the boss viewing the Portuguese colossus as a potential replacement for Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, despite Palhinha still being under contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium for another four years.
In a new update from The Sun’s Jordan Davies just last week, the 13-cap international is apparently now ‘close to completing’ a £20m move to Molineux, with his arrival in the top-flight expected to be officially confirmed in the coming days.
The Latest: A long-term target
O’Rourke confirms that Wolves have been monitoring Palhinha for a very long time - there were reports of interest as far back as last October.
He told GiveMeSport: “He’s been a long-term target for Wolves. It is an area of the team that Wolves are going to have to strengthen this summer, I think, with lots of doubts surrounding the long-term future of Ruben Neves.”
The Verdict: Get it done
With Lage now looking to rebuild his squad in preparation for the new season, Palhinha might just prove to be the perfect addition to bolster the Midlands outfit’s ranks.
Standing at 6 foot 3, the towering midfielder could add some much-needed steel to the middle of the park if Neves departs. He averaged three tackles and 2.8 successful long passes per Liga Portugal game this campaign, via WhoScored, displaying his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
After a solid first year in English football with a tenth-place finish, the 46-year-old manager will now be hoping that his side can push on and make a serious attempt to return to Europe next term, and the potential imminent signing of Palhinha could be just the thing they need to put them into contention.