Aston Villa are pushing to complete a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha quickly, amid fears that Newcastle United could hijack the move as part of a revenge mission. The Villans have identified the 31-year-old Portugal international as their top target to cover for Amadou Onana, who is set to miss most of the 2026-27 season after suffering an ACL injury during the World Cup.
Villa's No.1 Choice
Palhinha, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, has been included in Bayern's pre-season squad but the Bundesliga club have made it clear he is not part of their plans for the upcoming campaign and can leave again. Villa faced Bayern in Hong Kong on Friday, losing 2-1, and sporting director Damian Vidagany confirmed the club's interest.
“João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” Vidagany said. “We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something were to happen, it would always be based on the great respect we have for Bayern. We are friendly clubs, and our relationship with Max Eberl, Christoph Freund, and all the other officials is excellent. Therefore, I cannot and do not wish to comment on any further details.”
He added: “I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for the player.”
Newcastle's Revenge Mission
Villa are not the only club seeking midfield reinforcements. Newcastle United have lost club captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal in a £75m deal, leaving a significant void in their squad. The Magpies have already signed several younger midfielders this summer, but new head coach Matthias Jaissle has identified the need for more experience in light of Guimaraes' exit.
Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is Newcastle's top target, with talks ongoing between the clubs. However, Toon bosses are also considering alternatives, and Palhinha has been offered to them. While Newcastle cannot offer Champions League football like Villa can this season, they have £75m in the bank from Guimaraes' sale and are not subject to UEFA's financial regulations due to their absence from European competition. This could allow them to offer Bayern and Palhinha more attractive terms.
Previous Transfer Tussle
This is not the first time Villa and Newcastle have been locked in a transfer battle. Earlier in the summer, Villa completed an 11th-hour move for Swiss international Johan Manzambi, snatching him from under Newcastle's noses after the Magpies had already agreed a £51m deal. Manzambi reportedly got cold feet over a move to the North East, paving the way for Villa to step in.
That episode has left Newcastle determined to avoid a similar outcome this time, and they are prepared to act swiftly to secure Palhinha's signature if they can agree terms with Bayern. The midfielder's experience and proven quality in the Premier League make him an attractive option for both clubs.
What Palhinha Would Bring
Palhinha, who joined Bayern from Fulham in 2024, has extensive Premier League experience from his time at Craven Cottage. He is known for his defensive solidity, reading of the game, and ability to break up opposition attacks. His arrival would provide immediate cover for Onana and add depth to Villa's midfield, while at Newcastle he could fill the leadership void left by Guimaraes.
For Bayern, offloading Palhinha would free up wages and possibly raise funds, as he is not in the club's long-term plans. The Bavarians have a strong relationship with Villa, as Vidagany noted, which could facilitate a smooth negotiation.
Timing is Critical
With the new season approaching, Villa are keen to finalise the deal quickly to ensure Palhinha is available for the start of the campaign. Newcastle, meanwhile, are also in a hurry to bolster their squad before their opening fixtures. The race is on, and the next few days could be decisive in determining where Palhinha will play his football this season.
Both clubs have the financial resources to meet Bayern's asking price, but the player's preference and the terms on offer will likely be the deciding factors. Villa can offer European football, while Newcastle can offer a clear starting role and potentially a more lucrative contract. It remains to be seen which option Palhinha will choose.
