Some Wolves fans may have tuned into yesterday’s early game between Fulham and Liverpool.
The newly promoted Premier League side were playing host to last season’s runners-up, and there was a start for Joao Palhinha in midfield.
It was also going to be interesting to see how he’d get on.
Wolves were linked with Palhinha for weeks following the end of last season.
It was claimed that Wolves were set to sign the Portugal international.
But ultimately the club declined to do business with Sporting CP (Express & Star), allowing Fulham to land the enforcer for around £17 million (The Athletic).
It is thought Wolves moving for Palhinha was dependent on Ruben Neves leaving the club first.
Yesterday, Palhinha made his Premier League for Fulham – and the star has been coming in for a lot of praise on social media.
He was a real disruptor for the Cottagers, making six tackles in the 90 minutes – the most of any player on the field (via Sofascore). He won 7/9 ground duels and he was also fairly useful in possession, completing 20/26 passes.
Wolves could have regrets over Joao Palhinha as star enjoys solid Premier League debut
It was perhaps inevitable that Palhinha would enjoy a really good first Premier League outing on the same day Wolves were only able to name two senior midfield options in their matchday squad.
He looks as though he could be a really good addition for Fulham this season.
Ultimately it could well be because Neves is staying at the club.
It is going to be really interest to see how Palhinha gets on at Craven Cottage though.
To play as well as he did against a world-class side in his first competitive game will have Fulham fans feeling absolutely delighted, and some Wolves fans a little uncomfortable.
Hopefully Wolves don’t come to regret not signing him. Neves surely cannot be sold now that the ideal potential replacement has moved to another club.