Liverpool has been advised to postpone a potential “$127 million” acquisition that might complete Jürgen Klopp’s midfield.

João Palhinha could be expensive for Liverpool to sign in January, and José Enrique hinted that it might be simpler to clinch a deal in the summer.

José Enrique, a former defender for Liverpool, believes it would be better to wait for João Palhinha, who is available to the Reds in the January transfer window. Palhinha, who was on the verge of signing with Bayern Munich last summer, seems like a fantastic fit for Liverpool’s midfield, in his opinion. But Fulham’s high asking price could prove to be a roadblock.

Many elite teams are keeping an eye on the 28-year-old Portuguese midfielder, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Enrique, though, is sure that Liverpool will win the race if it enters.

Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been connected to João Palhinha. First of all, I don’t think Tottenham belongs in that discussion when it comes to exerting influence alongside teams like United and Liverpool because they are not the same,” Enrique remarked.

“Palhinha is a great player, and I would love to have him at Liverpool,” he continued. He seems to be just the kind of midfield player Liverpool needs. But I believe Fulham would demand a cost that no one is ready to pay if they attempt to sign him in January.

It’s a different story in the summer window. It seems more likely to happen to him then, in my opinion. Nobody will be able to afford Fulham’s January demands of around £100 million (about $127 million), but they will come back for him in the summer.”

Palhinha is not the only player who has been connected to a transfer to Liverpool. Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City has also been connected for some time (the Daily Mirror included).

“City will want to recover a portion of the money they spent on Phillips. I would prefer Liverpool to sign Palhinha over Phillips if they are going to have to make a significant expenditure in any case. Although I don’t now believe Phillips is worth that much money, there’s a good chance he will in the future.”

“I think he’s a great player, as evidenced by the fact that Manchester City signed him, but it’s strange that he isn’t playing at all. It mainly depends on how much money City wants for him, in my opinion.”

According to Liverpool.com, neither Palhinha nor Phillips will be Liverpool’s top objectives in 2024, but a number six should be a possibility. Palhinha just happens to be older than the type of player the Reds would want to add, and Manchester City would never allow Phillips to sign with a rival.