Aston Villa have taken further steps to sign Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha, after making advances this summer.
The midfielder is on the exit ramp, and this favours the Villans to secure his services. That didn’t stop him from featuring in a friendly against Aston Villa in Hong Kong earlier this month.
At the weekend, Aston Villa sporting director Damian Vidagany confirmed their interest in the 31-year-old.
He said: “We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – and João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans. We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement.”
“I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for the player.”
Details of Aston Villa’s ongoing attempts
Sky Deutschland report the former Fulham man has three options, and the Europa League winners are ahead. There’s no mention of the other two options.
Unai Emery’s side have agreed personal terms with João Palhinha, without a mention of the details of the agreement.
Aston Villa are ‘getting serious’ and have submitted their first offer to convince Bayern Munich.
This includes a loan transfer with a purchase option. Vincent Kompany’s side have turned it down as they are looking to sell the Portugal international.
The midfielder is currently waiting to find out where he will play next season.
Why Aston Villa can be optimistic
Last season, the player was on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, who decided against making his stay permanent.
João Palhinha has a contract until 2028 but has no future at Bayern Munich. They have made it clear to him and their sporting director, Max Eberl, reiterated it recently.
“We have communicated very openly that we have three players, Sacha [Boey], Bryan [Zaragoza] and João – whom we are very open to letting go,” he said.
“They have contracts with Bayern, which we have to respect, as we both signed them. Nevertheless, I believe that there is no future for any of them at Bayern.”
This is a clear sign Palhinha will leave. Aston Villa can take advantage of his situation to sign him on favourable terms.
For now, Bayern Munich are standing firm, but that is likely to change.
