Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha has confirmed his imminent €20m transfer to Fulham, revealing that head coach Marco Silva played a huge role in convincing him to make the move.
The Cottagers have seen off competition from established Premier League rivals Wolves to land the Portugal international, despite Molineux being something of a haven for his compatriots.
90min understands Palhinha is finally set to undergo a medical now that a legal issue which had prevented him completing the £17m move has been resolved.
The 26-year-old will now complete his medical checks before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at Craven Cottage.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet RTP, Palhinha confirmed his imminent switch from Sporting to Fulham, revealing that manager Silva’s persistence had been key in convincing him to make the move.
“Playing in the Premier League is a dream that I will fulfil,” he said. “Now I’m looking for success in the best league in the world and I want to prove my worth. I can only promise that I will do my best.
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“I was convinced by the project and the persistence. Marco Silva loved me a lot and it was fundamental because he spoke to me more than once.
“I spoke to several people who passed through the club and they all gave me good information. I’m sure it will be good for me.”
Palhinha will become Fulham’s first signing of the summer, and the newly-promoted club hope to follow that up with a deal for Man Utd’s Andreas Pereira. Talks are ongoing with the midfielder over personal terms and 90min understands that Fulham are confident of getting their man.
