Aston Villa Keen on Signing ‘Fantastic’ £200k-p/w Star

Aston Villa are reportedly showing interest in Joao Palhinha and Bayern Munich are looking to sell the Portuguese midfielder.

Christian Falk reports on his Daily Briefing that Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion hold an interest in Palhinha, who has struggled to reach expectations at Bayern. He joined the Bavarians from Fulham last summer in a £43.9m deal but has been unable to replicate his impressive Premier League spell while in Germany.

The 30-year-old has wanted to prove himself but could be realising that breaking into Vincent Kompany’s team will be difficult. He made just one appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, starting in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Benfica.

Aston Villa Eye Move For Palhinha

The Portuguese still needs to agree on Bayern exit

Villa may need to see off Brighton in the race for Palhinha, but can offer the 34-cap Portugal international Europa League football next season. Unai Emery could be eyeing the holding midfielder as a possible replacement for Amadou Onana, who is on Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr’s radar, per GIVEMESPORT sources.

Bayern are hopeful of getting a “good deal” but understand that it won’t be close to the £43.9m they paid Fulham for him. He still needs to agree on an exit, but a return to the Premier League could appeal, given he enjoyed a fine spell at Craven Cottage.

Palhinha, who Harry Kane once hailed as “fantastic”, garnered recognition around Europe for his displays for the Cottagers, a key cog in Marco Silva’s midfield. He knows the English top-flight well, and that may put him in good stead should he arrive at Villa Park.

Villa have made just one signing so far this summer , bringing 19-year-old Turkish centre-back Yasin Ozcan to west Midlands from Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa. There is a focus on signing a new midfielder, and while Palhinha, who earns £200,000 per week, is an option, they are also thought to be considering their former midfielder, Douglas Luiz.

Reports claim that the Villans have “come forward” for Luiz who left for Turin last summer but was a fan favourite during his time at Villa Park. The Brazilian has struggled to impress with the Old Lady and is another former Premier League star who shone brightest in England.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore – correct as of 12.07.2025

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