João Palhinha
Aston Villa have made a ‘strong move’ for Joao Palhinha, striking an agreement with Bayern Munich for a loan with an option to buy.

Various reports in Portugal today state that the midfielder is on his way to England to finalise a deal with Unai Emery’s side.

Aston Villa move strongly

A Bola kick things off, reporting that Joao Palhinha had been the first choice for Benfica this summer. But they have been outmanoeuvred by Aston Villa, who have made a ‘strong move’ for the 31-year-old.

They now have an agreement in place with Bayern Munich for a loan deal with an option to buy. The Portuguese midfielder is set to arrive in England at some point today.

Correio da Manha Weekend say the same. According to their information, Palhinha is expected in England today to finalise a deal with Aston Villa.

They state that negotiations with Bayern have ‘progressed rapidly’ in recent days. A loan deal has now been agreed with a €25m option to buy.

O Jogo state that ‘it appears likely’ that the Portuguese midfielder will be spending another season on loan in the Premier League after spending last year at Tottenham.

According to them, Aston Villa have pushed ahead this week, and a deal is very likely to be concluded.

The Villans need to strengthen in midfield this summer after losing both Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana. Douglas Luiz has already returned to Juventus from a loan spell.

Manzambi then Palhinha

They have already signed Switzerland youngster Yohan Manzambi in a club record deal but need more after Tielemans left to join Manchester United and Onana was ruled out through injury.

Palhinha offers Premier League and Champions League experience. And they’ve avoided paying the big fee Bayern Munich have been seeking this summer as well. It could end up being one of the smart deals Aston Villa have thrived at during Emery’s reign.

Key transfer points

  • Tottenham didn’t use their €30m clause earlier this summer
  • Aston Villa forced to reshape midfield 
  • Portuguese reports of Villa interest came before elsewhere
  • Germany and England then joined in
  • Loan with €25m purchase options is a great deal

 

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