Aston Villa are advancing in talks to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, reports Ben Jacobs.
The 31-year-old looks set to leave Germany this summer after spending last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where he became a key figure during their successful battle to retain their Premier League status.
Palhinha is also attracting interest from Newcastle United, but Villa currently appear to be further ahead in the race to sign the Portugal international.
The midfielder remains under contract with Bayern until 2028 after joining the German giants from Fulham in 2024.
Aston Villa Advance in Talks for Bayern Munich Midfielder
Palhinha’s Career So Far
The defensive midfielder began his career in Portugal with Sporting CP, representing the club’s B team before enjoying loan spells with Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga.
Palhinha broke into the Sporting first team in 2020, making 95 appearances before earning a move to Fulham in 2022.
The 31-year-old quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders during his two seasons at Craven Cottage, earning a £47.4 million move to Bayern Munich, including add-ons.
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However, regular first-team football proved difficult to come by in Germany. Palhinha made just 25 appearances for Bayern before returning to England on loan with Spurs for the 2025/26 campaign.
He played a huge role in Tottenham’s survival, making 45 appearances and scoring seven goals, including two spectacular overhead kicks and the winning goal against Everton on the final day of the season to secure Premier League survival.
With 101 Premier League appearances already to his name, it is little surprise that Unai Emery is interested in bringing the experienced midfielder back to England.
Villa Interest
Villa are looking to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United earlier this summer.
The Villans have already added Johan Manzambi, João Gomes, Alejandro Garnacho and Modou Keba Cissé during a busy transfer window following their fourth-place Premier League finish in 2025/26.
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Palhinha would provide additional experience and defensive solidity to Emery’s midfield, while offering valuable depth alongside the likes of John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Lamar Bogarde. The Portuguese midfielder has been praised over several seasons, including by former Fulham boss Marco Silva, who said Palhinha has qualities “that are hard to find in football.”
His arrival could be particularly important with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana continuing their recoveries from ACL injuries.
Newcastle are also monitoring the Portuguese midfielder, according to Jacobs, although the Magpies had been prioritising a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Fabrizio Romano has since reported that Newcastle’s move for the Danish midfielder is currently off, potentially leaving the door open for the Magpies to reignite their interest in Palhinha.
A Premier League Return?
With Palhinha seemingly set to bring his time in Germany to an end, Aston Villa currently appear to be the frontrunners to secure his return to the Premier League.
The midfielder’s tenacious style made him a popular figure during his spells with Fulham and Tottenham, while his experience at the highest level could make him an important addition to Emery’s squad.
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Villa’s participation in the UEFA Champions League also provides an attractive proposition for Palhinha, while for Emery, he would be adding physicality and experience to a side preparing to compete across four competitions in 2026/27.
With Newcastle still potentially in the picture, the race is not over, but Villa’s progress in negotiations suggests they are currently best placed to secure the Portuguese international.
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