Aston Villa and Newcastle United could end up holding the key to João Palhinha’s future, with Benfica now relying on neither Premier League club making the decisive move.
The Bayern Munich midfielder remains one of Benfica manager Marco Silva’s priority targets. However, the Portuguese club know they cannot compete financially if England comes calling.
Benfica play the waiting game
According to both Jornal de Notícias and O Jogo, Benfica’s strategy is now to play the waiting game. Club officials believe the longer Palhinha remains without a concrete offer, the more likely Bayern will be forced to soften their stance on both the transfer fee and the structure of any deal.
That is exactly why Premier League interest is causing concern in Lisbon.
Bayern continue to value the 31-year-old at more than €25m (£21.7m). And they would much rather complete a permanent sale than sanction another loan.
Benfica, meanwhile, are hoping for a loan with an option or obligation to buy, while also looking to reduce the immediate financial commitment.
Aston Villa named – Newcastle also in the picture
Both Portuguese newspapers explain Bayern are still expecting interest from England to arrive before the window closes. Aston Villa is once again named as one of the clubs capable of matching their demands.
The reports only mention Aston Villa by name, but we covered last week that Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the situation. That information was first revealed by ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade. He is based in Portugal and has reported Newcastle’s interest alongside Aston Villa’s.
From Bayern’s perspective, either Premier League club would be in a much stronger position than Benfica to cover both the transfer fee and Palhinha’s salary.
That is exactly the scenario the Portuguese side are hoping to avoid. Their entire strategy is now built around the absence of a serious Premier League offer.
Kompany confirms Bayern decision
There is no longer any doubt over Bayern’s position. As recalled by the Portuguese press, Vincent Kompany confirmed that Palhinha, alongside Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza, had already been informed they were not part of his plans before the decision became public.
“At the beginning of the season we have to make decisions and then communicate them clearly,” Kompany said ahead of Bayern’s friendly against Jeju United.
“What Max [Eberl] and Christoph [Freund] said was first communicated to Sacha, João and Bryan. They know.”
The Bayern manager also stressed that, despite the decision, the players deserve to be treated properly.
“The most important thing is that, once everything is clear, we treat them with respect. As a former player, that’s how I’d want to be treated.”
Transfer paused for now
With Palhinha’s departure now accepted by all parties, the transfer battle appears to have entered a waiting game.
Benfica are hoping neither Aston Villa nor Newcastle step forward with an offer. Bayern, on the other hand, are banking on Premier League interest arriving before the window closes.
