Fourth in the Premier League, five points behind Arsenal, at the top of the championship, Manchester City has not escaped criticism in recent weeks. If the Citizens can, once again, consider themselves lucky on the European scene after drawing Copenhagen to the round of 16 of the Champions League, the upper echelons of the Mancunian club are therefore working hard to strengthen themselves during the next winter transfer window .
With this in mind and according to the latest information from the English press, the Skyblues would have the ambition to overtake Liverpool and Bayern Munich for a highly coveted track. Indeed, The Sun And The Mirror affirm, this Tuesday, that Manchester City intends to enter the dance for a certain João Palhinha. Former Sporting CP player, the 28-year-old Portuguese midfielder (24 caps, 2 goals) is today under contract until 2028 with Fulham.
João Palhinha, announced successor to Kalvin Phillips
In the sights of the biggest European teams, the one who has totaled 14 matches, 2 goals and 1 assist in the Premier League this season could therefore bounce back at the Etihad Stadium. A 1m90 defensive midfielder, Palhinha would bring all his impact and technical quality to the Mancunian midfield. A profile that particularly appeals to Pep Guardiola, always looking for the perfect recipe to have a second record season. Note, moreover, that the current Mancunian technician also appreciates Andre, the star of Fluminense, valued at 30 million pounds sterling.
With the expected departure of Kalvin Phillips next January, the Citizens would, in any case, be ready to invest 58 million euros to secure the services of the native of Lisbon, who scored a total of six goals and delivered one assist in 56 appearances for Fulham. Current pillar of the Cottagers collective, Palhinha – very close to joining Bayern Munich last summer – therefore finds himself at the heart of a fierce fight between three of the biggest European teams. It now remains to know the identity of the lucky one…
