From available for transfer to indispensible: Palhinha has now become an integral player for Sporting CP

There was much speculation regarding the future of Joao Palhinha across the summer transfer window, with Sporting CP interested in offloading the defensive midfielder to gain the funds required to bring in some of their top targets.

Both CSKA Moscow and Nuno’s Wolverhampton Wanderers were closely linked with the former Braga midfielder, but with Sporting unable to receive a fee matching their 15 million euro asking price, they ultimately decided to keep hold of the 25-year old, with Wendel being sold to Zenit St Petersburg for a fee in the region of 20 million euros instead.

Sporting’s stance on Palhinha’s availability has shifted considerably as a result, rewarding the former Portugal youth international with a new contract containing a substantial release clause of 60 million euros.

Sporting are believed to now be holding out for the release clause valuation should any clubs be looking to sign Palhinha - four times the value they were willing to entertain just a matter of months ago.

After missing the start of the season due to coronavirus, Palhinha has cemented his place in the starting lineup of the Lisbon outfit, and has played in each of Sporting’s last four league matches.

Palhinha impressed during his time on loan at Braga last season, where he played 44 games for the Minho club across all competitions, even scoring 4 goals.