Joao Palhinha seals £20m Fulham transfer and reveals he never considered any other club despite Wolves’ interest

JOAO PALHINHA admitted there was only one club he wanted to join after confirming his £20m move to Fulham.

The Portuguese midfielder arrives at Craven Cottage from Sporting Lisbon on a five-year-deal for £17m plus around £3m add-ons.

Palhinha, 26, was linked heavily with Wolves last month before Fulham and Marco Silva swooped to get their man – their first addition of the summer window.

After several delays, Palhinha is finally a Fulham player, and said: “I’ve signed with a great club.

“The club wanted me, and I chose the club, so I promise the fans that I will do my best, and I hope we can win so many things in this season.

“I’m very glad to be here. It’s a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is – in my opinion – the best league in the world.”

Fulham owner Tony Khan added: “João Palhinha has excelled in Portugal playing both club and international football. He’s been one of our top targets in this window. 

“While there were other prominent clubs aiming to secure his signature, we’re thrilled that João chose to come here and that he wants to play for Fulham.

“Under our great coach Marco Silva, we believe that João will be a valuable addition to strengthen the squad to compete this season in the Premier League.”

SunSport reported Wolves were in advanced talks with Palhinha through their links to super-agent Jorge Mendes early last month before the move stalled.

Palhinha’s involvement in the Nations League with Portugal and Wolves’ issues with getting Ruben Neves off the books gave Fulham the chance to hijack the deal.

Silva spoke with Palhinha personally to get it over the line, however there was another delay last week thanks to an agent commission dispute that was quickly resolved.

Fulham are looking to add more new faces to the squad this month, with Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon.