The Joao Palhinha transfer saga is officially over for Wolves, with the midfielder being announced as a Fulham player yesterday.
The 26-year-old has joined the Cottagers, despite having been linked with Wanderers heavily since the end of the 2021/22 season.
Wanderers had seemed all set to sign the Portugal international.
But in the end, the club decided against a pursuit, even though he had been offered to the club.
The hierarchy opted against the move, and Fulham have snapped him up for around £19 million with add-ons (via Express & Star).
The star has given his first interview with the club, and he has shared his reasons for making the move.
He told the club’s official website: “I’m very glad to be here. It’s a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is – in my opinion – the best league in the world.
“I’ve signed with a great club. The club wanted me, and I chose the club, so I promise the fans that I will do my best, and I hope we can win so many things in this season.”
Tony Khan, Fulham’s owner, wrote on Twitter that Palhinha had been a top target for them this window. And he also added ‘other prominent clubs aimed to secure his signature’.
Time will tell if Wolves will regret not pushing for Joao Palhinha
A lot of Wolves fans are not happy that Fulham have been able to sign Palhinha.
But it’s possible that this will now mean Ruben Neves will be staying at the club.
It is certainly going to be interesting to see how Palhinha gets on in the Premier League though.
He has been an excellent holding midfielder over the past couple of years – an opinion shared by Neves – and will potentially really beef up the Cottagers’ engine room.
It is very possible Wolves’ decision could look questionable, especially if Neves ends up leaving.