Villa chase midfield fix as Palhinha becomes top target

Aston Villa are negotiating to bring Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha to the Premier League after Bayern Munich’s £26 million purchase option lapsed last summer, with director of football Damian Vidagany stressing the need for a replacement as Amadou Onana is sidelined for the whole season.

The club has not disclosed a fee for the 28‑year‑old, noting that the £26 million option to buy expired and that Bayern have shown “great respect” for the German side’s position. Vidagany added that talks are ongoing but no agreement has been reached.

Palhinha, a Portuguese international, spent the 2023‑24 campaign on loan at Tottenham Hotspur after joining Bayern from Fulham in 2024. He has amassed 101 Premier League appearances across his spells at Fulham and Spurs, providing substantial top‑flight experience.

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A move would give the midfielder a chance to play in the Champions League and reinforce a midfield already strengthened by Johan Manzambi, signed from SC Freiburg for £52 million, and Joao Gomes, acquired from Wolves for £35 million. Villa’s current central midfield roster includes Ross Barkley, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Lamare Bogarde, following the departures of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Enzo Barrenechea’s return to Benfica.

Newcastle United have also been linked with Palhinha after losing Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, but Villa remain the most vocal suitor for the player.

Director Damian Vidagany said, “We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans.” Talks continue ahead of Villa’s season opener in the Super Cup against Paris Saint‑Germain and their first Premier League fixture at Brighton on August 23, which could see Palhinha feature from the outset.