According to O Jogo, Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in João Palhinha. Nuno Espirito Santo is said to have been in talks over the ‘terms of a transfer’ with Sporting CP.
O Jogo say Wolves ‘negotiates the purchase’ of the 24-year-old, but it remains to be seen if he’s coming to Molineux.
Palhinha joined Sporting from Sacavenense in 2013 and has gone on to make 21 appearances for the reserve team and 18 appearances at senior level, scoring two goals.
The former Portuguese youth international has failed to nail down a regular spot at the Estádio José Alvalade, however, so he’s embarked upon loan moves away to get more playing time.
As per Transfermarkt, Palhinha made 29 appearances at Moreirense (August 12, 2015 – June 30, 2016), 18 appearances at Belenenses SAD (August 9, 2016 – January 4, 2017) and 67 appearances at Braga (August 7, 2018 – present).
O Jogo say the 24-year-old is expected to be sold by Sporting when he returns from his latest loan, but it’s surprising that Wolves are interested.
As per WhoScored, Palhinha has been dribbled past 32 times in the Primeira Liga, has given away 39 fouls and has relinquished possession 40 times (not including misplaced passes).
Wolves are keen to strengthen in the engine room, but if Palhinha isn’t good enough for Sporting, why would he be good enough for the Midlands outfit?
