Manchester City were recently linked with a move for Fulham star Joao Palhinha – and a hugely impressive statistic emerged about the ace recently.
City are not expected to be particularly busy in the transfer market this month, with Pep Guardiola likely to trust in the crop at his disposal.
The club have agreed a deal for youngster Claudio Echeverri, but he’ll be staying with River Plate for the time being, just like Julian Alvarez did.
But in terms of senior additions, it should be a quiet window.
That won’t stop the speculation though, and recently City got linked with Fulham’s midfield warrior Palhinha – who recorded a seriously impressive statistic in 2023…
Manchester City ‘target’ Joao Palhinha was 2023’s top tackler in Europe
Palhinha has been a key player for Fulham since his arrival at the club in the summer of 2022.
The former Sporting CP star has established himself as a fantastic defensive midfielder, with a great knack for tackling and intercepting.
His tackling is definitely his best quality and there is now a statistic that very much proves that.
According to Squawka, Palhinha made 156 successful tackles in 2023. That was the most of any player across the top five leagues in Europe, with Pierre Lees-Melou of Brest the player in second place with just 122.
Given Palhinha’s combative style, then it is perhaps only natural that he gets into trouble with the referee from time to time.
As well as being the most prolific tackler across Europe’s top five leagues, Palhinha was also the player to pick up the most yellow cards in 2023 with 17.
Palhinha is some player but City move unlikely
City are likely losing Kalvin Phillips this month, with the midfielder having barely played this season – but it seems unlikely that the club would land Palhinha as a replacement.
He is absolutely vital for Fulham, who would struggle to push up the table to fight for European places without him. Indeed, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp recently branded Palhinha ‘a sensation’.
Palhinha may well be a player Pep Guardiola likes, but a £50 million move for him this month is surely not happening, especially given reports the club are unlikely to make senior signings.
City may fancy a swoop next summer, although the player would probably have to accept playing second fiddle to Rodri, who is the best defensive midfielder in the world.
