Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that reported Liverpool target Joao Palhinha suffered a serious injury in their pre-season friendly against Brentford on Sunday (July 23).
The Cottagers beat the Bees 3-2 in their opening Premier League Summer Series game at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Harry Wilson, Bobby Reid and Carlos Vinicius scored for Fulham while Yoanne Wissa and Kristoffer Ajer got on the scoresheet for Brentford.
Palhinha, who started, was subbed off in first half stoppage time. Silva has speculated that the midfielder could have dislocated his shoulder, telling Fulham’s website:
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good. It’s serious, but let’s hope it’s not too serious. It’s his shoulder, probably dislocated.”
He added:
“Tomorrow he’s going to do a scan, and it will be more clear for me to update you on the situation. Let’s hope it’s not another long-term injury for us.”
As per The Mirror, Liverpool are interested in signing Palhinha this summer to potentially replace Fabinho, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Palhinha, 28, had an excellent 2022-23 campaign with Fulham, having arrived from Sporting CP last summer. He made 40 appearances across competitions and scored four goals. The Portuguese midfielder made the most tackles (147 in 35 games) in the Premier League last season.
Fulham are demanding £60 million for Palhinha, with his contract expiring in 2027. West Ham United are also interested in the midfielder as they look for a replacement for Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal.
Liverpool still working on signing Romeo Lavia this summer
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are working on signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.
James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita left the club earlier this summer. Jordan Henderson is also set to join Al-Ettifaq while Fabinho has also been linked with a departure.
Having signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, the Merseysiders are now focussing on bringing in Lavia in midfield. Romano told Caught Offside:
“They (Liverpool) keep working on Romeo Lavia. Nothing is advanced in terms of bids or club to club negotiations – still, contacts are taking place with the player’s agents, and they are trying to understand the final price tag.”
He added:
“Southampton always wanted around £50m, but Liverpool are hoping for a different fee. He’s not their only target, but he is a concrete one, and Liverpool are still there.”
Lavia, 19, joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and had a good 2022-23 campaign despite the Saints being relegated. He made 34 appearances across competitions and contributed one goal and an assist.