Sir Jim Ratcliffe urged to complete £60m deal to sign ‘perfect’ Casemiro ‘replacement’ ahead of Bayern Munich

Sir Jim Ratcliffe urged to complete £60m deal to sign ‘perfect’ Casemiro ‘replacement’ ahead of Bayern Munich

Joao Palhinha and Adam Wharton.
Paul Ince has encouraged Manchester United to “hijack” Bayern Munich in the race to sign Joao Palhinha from Premier League rivals Fulham.

Palhinha, a Portugal international from Sporting Lisbon, was one of the best acquisitions of the 2022 summer transfer window; Fulham paid about £20 million to acquire him.

Finally, Palhinha to Bayern? Due to his impressive play, Bayern Munich made a move to sign the 28-year-old last summer. On the day of the deadline, this transaction fell through because Fulham could not find a suitable alternative.

The defensive midfielder enjoyed yet another successful season in 2023–2024 as Fulham narrowly averted Premier League relegation.

Palhinha is wanted by Bayern Munich once more, although Barcelona and Manchester United are also interested in signing the £60 million midfield player. Palhinha, who Fulham paid almost £20 million to sign, was one of the greatest acquisitions of the 2022 summer transfer window.

The Red Devils will be busy during this summer’s transfer window and one of their priorities will be to sign a new defensive midfielder as Casemiro is expected to leave amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

Man Utd have reportedly already ‘chosen’ their preferred replacement for Casemiro, but Ince thinks Palhinha would be “perfect” for the Premier League giants.

“Joao Palhinha could replace Casemiro next season, without a doubt,” Ince said.

“Obviously he was going to go to Bayern Munich last summer which fell through on deadline day, but we know Fulham are prepared to sell with Bayern now back in for him.

‌”But I think if you look at the way he plays, I think he’s perfect for Manchester United. He gets about the park, he can pass, he can tackle, he’s strong.

“He’s got a good size about him. He’s got everything you need to be a success at Manchester United and I hope they hijack a move.”

Despite this, Ince is wary that “players have to be aligned” and it might be tough for Ten Hag to find the right teammate to “put alongside” Palhinha.

“The only question is about the players you put alongside him. That’s always the toughest thing because I think to be a good player, you’ve got to play with good players,’ the ex-England captain added.

“All the players have to be aligned in what the objective is that season. I don’t think that’s been the case with Manchester United.

“But I think he’s definitely the type of player that Manchester United should be looking at.”