Man Utd distance themselves from £90m target as European switch remains a possibility
Manchester United are unlikely to rekindle their interest in a Premier League target come January according to a recent report.
Erik ten Hag has had to navigate a difficult transfer window this summer, but the club have come out looking stronger than before.
The club managed to strike permanent deals for Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. Along with this, they also used the loan market to their advantage.
Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon has joined the club on loan and they also managed to strike a deal for Sofyan Amrabat. The defensive midfielder joins Ten Hag’s side on a loan deal with the obligation to buy.
Amrabat had been a long-term target for Ten Hag, but the Dutch boss was also considering alternative options if they couldn’t strike a deal.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha was a player of interest, but the club was put off by his £90m valuation. Palhinha himself saw his deadline day move to Bayern Munich collapse which means there is still plenty of speculation surrounding the midfielder.
While plenty of European giants are likely to be in the race for Palhinha come January, Man Utd won’t be one of those clubs.
According to Football Insider, Man Utd are now ‘unlikely’ to follow up on their interest in the Portuguese midfielder in January, despite his move to Bayern Munich falling through.
Ten Hag seems content with his options of Amrabat, Casemiro and Scott McTominay which means that a deal for Palhinha is no longer on the table.
Bayern Munich could go back in
Fulham ultimately pulled the midfielder’s move to Germany because they weren’t able to sign a replacement in time. The 28-year-old had flown to Germany on deadline day, but the move was not sanctioned by Fulham in the end.
Despite the deal not going through this summer, Palhinha’s agent has hinted that the move could still be on the cards in the future.
“They didn’t kill the dream, they just postponed it,” Goncalo Palhinha explained. “Very proud of my brother and the player I represent.
“Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire Bayern structure. The affection for the club in our family will remain forever even though my brother didn’t sign.”
Fulham will be pleased to have Palhinha back for the time being, but it seems as if the speculation surrounding his long-term future won’t be going away anytime soon.
Marco Silva’s side signed the 28-year-old for just £20m last summer. His transfer value has risen exponentially since then and it is worth remembering that he is tied down to a long-term contract with Fulham until 2027 with the option of a further year.
Plenty of clubs will no doubt be interested in the midfielder come January, but it seems as if Man Utd have taken themselves out of the race.
