Aston Villa in Advanced Talks to Sign Bayern Munich Midfielder João Palhinha

Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha.

The 31‑year‑old Portugal international emerged as a target after Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee while playing for Belgium at the World Cup.

Sources close to Palhinha indicate he has not yet finalised a decision but remains open to a move to Villa Park, which he regards as one of his top options.

Bayern are willing to permit his departure two years after acquiring him from Fulham for a club record £47.4 million.

Palhinha spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham, who decided against exercising their £26 million purchase option.

Villa manager Roberto de Zerbi, formerly of Spurs, was keen on Palhinha for his proven ability to help clubs avoid relegation, but a deal with Bayern could not be concluded.

“Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” Villa director of football Damian Vidagany told German outlet Bild. “We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something were to happen, it would always be based on the great respect we have for Bayern.”

Vidagany’s remarks followed Villa’s 2‑1 pre‑season friendly defeat to Bayern in Hong Kong, where Palhinha appeared as a substitute.

Unai Emery’s Europa League‑winning side has been active this summer, offloading high‑profile players such as Morgan Rogers (to Chelsea), Youri Tielemans (to Manchester United) and Lucas Digne (to Paris Saint‑Germain). They have reinforced the squad with arrivals including Alejandro Garnacho (from Chelsea), Joao Gomes (from Wolves), Johan Manzambi (from Freiburg) and Moudou Keba Cisse (from LASK Linz).

Source link