Aston Villa have reignited their pursuit of Joao Palhinha

Aston Villa have reignited their pursuit of Joao Palhinha Unai Emery is at Villa Park with Matthias Jaissle at St James’ Park with Newcastle United. Aston Villa have resumed negotiations with Bayern Munich for midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to The Athletic. Villa are keen to sign the ‘fantastic’ 31-year-old Portuguese international this summer to bolster their midfield ahead of another demanding campaign across domestic and European competitions. Unai Emery is determined to add Palhinha’s defensive solidity and Premier League experience to bring balance to his midfield. Talks between the clubs initially stalled over the financial structure. Villa first proposed a season-long loan with an option to buy, while Bayern sporting director Max Eberl insisted on an immediate permanent transfer or a loan with a mandatory purchase clause to recoup a significant portion of the €51m fee paid to Fulham in 2024. However, late-window interest from Newcastle United has added pressure. With Palhinha reiterating his preference for Emery’s project at Villa Park, both sides have re-engaged to find a mutually beneficial compromise. Palhinha’s representatives have already reached an agreement in principle with the Midlands club, leaving a deal between Villa and Bayern as the final hurdle. With Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany making it clear that Palhinha is not in his plans for the upcoming Bundesliga season, the Bavarians are motivated to finalise his departure promptly. Villa will be without summer signing Joao Gomes at the start of next season, which may have contributed to their renewed pursuit of Palhinha. The Europa League champions also have Amadou Onana and Johan Manzambi sidelined, leaving Emery short of midfield options. Following their UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Villa concluded pre-season on Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach and now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion.