Aston Villa are in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad following Amadou Onana’s serious knee injury.
The Portugal international has emerged as a target after Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while representing Belgium at this summer’s World Cup, leaving Villa short of options in midfield ahead of the new campaign.
Palhinha, 31, is understood to be open to a move to Villa Park, although sources close to the player say he has yet to make a final decision.
Bayern Munich are willing to let the midfielder leave just two years after signing him from Fulham in a deal worth £47.4million.
The former Fulham man spent last season on loan at Tottenham, but Spurs opted against activating their £26m option to make the move permanent.
Villa’s interest has now been confirmed by director of football Damian Vidagany, who admitted negotiations are ongoing.
“Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” Vidagany told German outlet Bild.
“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.”
The comments came after Villa’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to Bayern Munich in Hong Kong, with Palhinha featuring as a second-half substitute for the Bundesliga champions.
Villa are expected to remain active in the transfer market following a summer of significant departures.
Morgan Rogers has completed a club-record move to Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United and Lucas Digne has returned to France with Paris Saint-Germain.
Emery has already moved to reshape his squad, bringing in Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, Joao Gomes from Wolves, Johan Manzambi from Freiburg and Moudou Keba Cisse from LASK Linz.
Palhinha would add further Premier League experience as Villa prepare to defend their Europa League crown and compete on multiple fronts in the 2026-27 season.
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