Aston Villa is in discussions with Bayern Munich regarding a potential transfer for midfielder Joao Palhinha. The Portugal international, 31, emerged as a target for Villa following an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained by Amadou Onana while playing for Belgium at the World Cup. Sources close to Palhinha indicate that he has not yet made a decision but considers a move to Villa Park a strong possibility.
Bayern Munich is amenable to allowing Palhinha to depart, two years after acquiring him from Fulham for £47.4 million. Last season, Palhinha was on loan at Tottenham, but the club decided against exercising their option to buy him for £26 million. Reports suggest manager Roberto De Zerbi was interested in Palhinha due to his contribution to Spurs' efforts to avoid relegation, though an agreement with Bayern could not be reached.
Villa's director of football, Damian Vidagany, commented on the situation to German outlet Bild on Friday, stating, "Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans. 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."
These comments followed a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong where Aston Villa lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich, with Palhinha appearing as a substitute. The summer has been active for Unai Emery's squad, with notable departures including Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, and Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, necessitating midfield reinforcements. Villa has also secured new signings such as Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, Joao Gomes from Wolves, Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, and Moudou Keba Cisse from LASK Linz.