Palhinha extends contract with Sporting until 2025

He was linked with a move away from Sporting CP throughout the summer - but with no suitable offers arriving for the Portuguese defensive midfielder, Joao Palhinha has signed a new contract with the Lisbon club.

The new contract will keep the 25-year old at Sporting until 2025, while he has also been protected by a 60 million euro release clause.

Sporting CP were open to selling Palhinha in the most recent window, but no suitable offers matching their 15 million euro asking price arrived, ensuring the midfielder remained part of the side.

The sale of Wendel for 20 million euros to Zenit St Peterbsurg then opened the door for Palhinha to step up and become an integral part of the side for the upcoming campaign.

Palhinha was hugely impressive last campaign while on loan at SC Braga, playing a total of 76 mathces across all competitions over a two-year loan spell at the Minho outfit.

With such impressive exploits for Braga came interest in his signature, and the likes of Wolves and CSKA Moscow were both linked with the former Portugal youth international

Palhinha. Photo author: Анна Нэсси. License link.