Fulham secure €22m signing of Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha | OneFootball

Fulham have announced the arrival of defensive midfielder João Palhinha from Sporting CP in a deal worth a reported £17m.

The Portugal international has joined on a five-year contract running until 2027, with the option for an additional 12 months.

“I’m very glad to be here,” Palhinha told the Cottagers’ official website.

“It’s a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is – in my opinion – the best league in the world.

“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.”

This is the 26-year-old’s first move outside of his native Portugal having graduated from Sporting’s famous academy nearly 10 years ago.

Palhinha featured 27 times in the league for the eventual Primeira Liga runners-up last season, scoring three goals.