Aston Villa is actively strengthening its midfield, with reports indicating the club is on the verge of signing Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes and is interested in a loan move for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha. These potential acquisitions aim to address a midfield injury crisis that has impacted the team.
Joao Gomes, a 25-year-old Brazilian international, is reportedly set to finalize a transfer worth approximately £38 million. His move from Wolves to Villa is expected to proceed after his departure from the team's training camp in Portugal. Gomes was previously linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, but that transfer stalled. He joined Wolves from Flamengo in the summer of 2023 and has made 130 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.
Munich's Joao Palhinha is also a target for Aston Villa. The 31-year-old midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, is available for around £20 million, though Villa is reportedly exploring an initial loan arrangement. Palhinha has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, as well as Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. His potential move to Villa could be influenced by the club's Champions League qualification and the project they offer.
Midfield reinforcements are deemed necessary due to significant injuries. Amadou Onana recently suffered a serious knee injury while on international duty with Belgium, and Boubacar Kamara has been recovering from a serious injury since January, with his fitness for the start of the Premier League season uncertain.
In addition to these midfield targets, Aston Villa also hopes to complete a club-record deal for Freiburg's Johan Manzambi, valued at around £54 million. The Swiss international is scheduled to undergo a medical examination.
