Aston Villa in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha

Aston Villa have opened talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, Villa director of football Damian Vidagany said after Villa's 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat by Bayern in Hong Kong over the weekend. Palhinha featured as a substitute in that match.

Palhinha, a 31-year-old Portugal international, has made 25 appearances for Bayern Munich since joining the club in 2024. He emerged as a transfer target for Villa after Amadou Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee while playing for Belgium at the World Cup, and sources close to Palhinha say he has yet to make a decision but is open to a move to Villa Park, which is regarded as among his best options. Bayern are willing to let him leave two years after signing him for £47.4m from Fulham.

Palhinha spent last season on loan at Tottenham, who opted against triggering their £26m option to buy. It is understood manager Roberto de Zerbi was keen to sign Palhinha because of his role in helping Spurs avoid relegation, but the club were unable to reach an agreement with Bayern.

"Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans," Villa director of football Damian Vidagany told German outlet Bild on Friday.

It has been a busy summer for Unai Emery's Europa League-winning side, with the departures of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Lucas Digne to Paris St-Germain leaving Villa in need of replacements. Villa have also completed signings including Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, Joao Gomes from Wolves, Johan Manzambi from Freiburg and Moudou Keba Cisse from LASK Linz.

"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," Vidagany added.