Villa in talks to sign Bayern's Palhinha

What the report says

Aston Villa are in discussions to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to BBC Sport Football. The Portugal international has emerged as a target after Villa were hit by the injury to Amadou Onana, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for Belgium at the World Cup.

Palhinha, 31, joined Bayern in 2024 and has made 25 appearances for the German club. BBC Sport reported that Bayern are open to letting him leave, while sources close to the player said he has not made a final decision but is receptive to a move to Villa Park. The report also noted that Tottenham declined to take up an option to buy him after his loan spell last season.

Villa director of football Damian Vidagany said in comments to German outlet Bild that the player would fit the club’s plans, although he stressed that no agreement has been reached. Those remarks came after Villa’s 2-1 pre-season defeat by Bayern in Hong Kong, a match in which Palhinha appeared as a substitute.

The potential move comes during a busy summer for Unai Emery’s side, which has seen several senior departures and a string of new signings as the club looks to reshape its squad. In general terms, a deal for a defensive midfielder such as Palhinha would help address depth in a key area if Villa decide to move forward.