Bayern Munich have rejected Aston Villa's loan offer for Joao Palhinha, with the midfielder pushing for a move to the Europa League champions. Personal terms between the player and Villa are understood to have been agreed, and the Portugal international has informed Bayern of his wish to complete the move. However, the Bundesliga side is not interested in a loan deal and would prefer a permanent transfer.
Villa's midfield need
Villa are keen to bolster their midfield this summer after Youri Tielemans left to join Manchester United, while Amadou Onana is out for the season through injury. Discussions over the deal are expected to continue, with Villa director of football Damian Vidagany admitting this week that the Europa League winners want to bring Palhinha to the club.
Vidagany told Bild: “We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – and João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans. 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.”
Respect between clubs
Vidagany added: “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 also expressed his belief that Aston Villa would be a great club for the player, noting that in the league, six or seven clubs have a bigger budget than Villa. “Nevertheless, we’ve qualified for international competitions every year for the past four years. That’s down to our project, our work as a team, and the tactical influence of Unai Emery, who in my eyes is one of the best coaches in the world.”
Palhinha's Premier League experience
Palhinha made 33 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season, scoring five times, and has good experience of the Premier League. He previously played for Fulham, where his performances earned him a move to Bayern, but he has been deemed surplus to requirements having made just 17 appearances since his £47m move from the Cottagers.
