Benfica consider João Mário-style move to sign João Palhinha | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, Benfica still view João Palhinha as their priority midfield signing this summer and could pursue a João Mário-style strategy to bring him to the Estádio da Luz rather than a return to Alvalade.

The SAD led by Rui Costa is prepared to persist and may look to convince the player directly, replicating the approach used with João Mário.

In that previous case, Sporting aimed to wait until late in the window and asked the midfielder to reject other offers to force Inter to yield, but the following season, 2021/22, João Mário chose not to wait and accepted Benfica’s proposal immediately.

Palhinha has been linked with a Sporting comeback, yet he is said to be closer to joining Benfica. Bayern Munich continue to seek around €20 million for the 31-year-old, a fee Benfica consider high, while his salary and rival interest add further complications.

Even so, Benfica believe the player’s preference could be decisive. Palhinha has shown openness to returning to Portuguese football and maintains a close relationship with Marco Silva, who previously helped João Mário establish himself at Sporting.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”