Joao Palhinha has agreed personal terms with Aston Villa and has informed Bayern Munich of his desire to move to the Premier League club this summer, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Portugal international, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, but Villa now appear to be closing in on a deal.
Bayern Munich have not yet reached an agreement with Villa over the transfer, but the player has made his intentions clear to the German club. Villa are eager to strengthen their midfield after Youri Tielemans departed to join Manchester United, while Amadou Onana is sidelined for the entire season with an injury.
Villa director confirms talks over Palhinha
Discussions over the deal are expected to continue, with Villa's director of football Damian Vidagany confirming this week that the Europa League winners want to bring Palhinha to the club. Speaking to German outlet Bild, Vidagany said: “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. 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.”
Vidagany also praised the club's project under manager Unai Emery, adding: “I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for the player. In the league, six or seven clubs have a bigger budget than us. 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 and Bayern struggles
Palhinha made 33 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season, scoring five goals, and has considerable experience in English football. He previously played for Fulham, where his performances earned him a big-money move to Bayern. However, he has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena, having made just 17 appearances since his £47m transfer from the Cottagers.
The 29-year-old's arrival would provide Villa with a defensive midfield option as they prepare for another campaign in European competition. The club have qualified for continental tournaments in each of the past four seasons, a run Vidagany attributes to the collective effort and Emery's coaching.
Next steps in the transfer saga
With personal terms reportedly agreed, the focus now shifts to negotiations between Villa and Bayern. The Bundesliga side have yet to sanction the move, but the player's request to leave could accelerate talks. Villa's need for a midfielder is urgent given Onana's absence, and Palhinha's Premier League pedigree makes him a suitable candidate to fill that void.
No official confirmation of the transfer has been made, and further discussions are expected in the coming days. The outcome will depend on whether the two clubs can agree on a fee, with Bayern aware of Villa's interest and the player's desire to return to England.
