Fulham owner Tony Khan has poured cold water on reports that Joao Palhinha’s contract contains a release clause amid reported interest from both Chelsea and West Ham in the midfielder this summer.
The Portuguese star only arrived in the Premier League 12 months ago, but has been one of the signings of the season and helped the Cottagers defy all expectations to snag a top half finish and finish above west London rivals Chelsea for the first time since 1983, despite plenty thinking that they would be heading straight back down into the Championship.
Becoming widely known as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, the 27-year-old chipped in with three goals but became synonymous with a yellow card too, picking up 14 during his 35 top flight appearances, at least two more than any other player in the top flight.
West Ham have been credited with an interest in the midfielder as they look to replace the outgoing Declan Rice, who appears to be set to join Arsenal following his European success with the Hammers.
Chelsea have also been mooted as a potential destination for Palhinha, with the Blues looking to strengthen their midfield significantly this summer and having already lost out on no.1 target Manuel Ugarte, who is set to join Paris Saint Germain instead.
Reports from TalkSPORT claimed that a deal for Palhinha may be viable, too, adding that there is a release clause written into his Fulham contract which could allow him to leave for a set fee this summer.
There is no release clause. https://t.co/DIY8t1LQCR
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) June 10, 2023
Under contract until 2027, it is likely that Fulham would demand significantly more than the £17m that the paid for Palhinha this summer, especially if he were to leave to a Premier League rival.
