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JOAO ON EARTH?
Joao Palhinha’s £17m transfer from Sporting to Fulham in jeopardy with agents squabbling over commission
FULHAM’S deal for Joao Palhinha has been delayed by an agent commission dispute.
This incredible transfer saga has taken yet another twist that leaves the 26-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder’s future in limbo once more.
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It was expected that Palhinha would fly to London this week after returning from his holidays to complete his medical at Craven Cottage after agreeing a £17m move.
However, SunSport understands a disagreement over payment involving Palhinha’s Spanish agent Hernan Reguera and Jorge Mendes means that the player is still in Lisbon awaiting a resolution.
Reguera is said to have negotiated Palhinha’s entire five-year deal to Fulham.
However, Sporting had previously given contractual exclusivity to Mendes to sort Palhinha's move to England when Wolves were interested.
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Mendes is believed to be expecting payment of just under £2m for the move despite Wolves’ approach breaking down, leaving Reguera without commission from Sporting.
SunSport has been told this is a common issue with Portuguese transfer negotiations, and is unlikely to end in Palhinha not joining Fulham this summer.
But, it is an unwanted delay in what has already been a complex summer transfer tale.
Wolves were confident at the beginning of this month they would nab Palhinha for around £20million after advanced talks.
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However, Palhinha’s involvement in the Nations League with Portugal – as well as Wolves’ failing attempts to sell Ruben Neves – saw the move stall.
Fulham pounced, with boss Marco Silva speaking with Palhinha directly on the phone to convince him to snub Molineux.
Manchester United were also keeping tabs on the player, scouting him several times earlier in the year before moving on to different targets under new boss Erik ten Hag.
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