Aston Villa reportedly remain in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha, but a critical issue remains as a stumbling block.
The 31-year-old has gained significant experience at the top level across spells with Sporting, Fulham, Bayern and Tottenham, and coupled with the void in Villa’s midfield as Amadou Onana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, it seems like a sensible addition.
However, crucially, signing the combative Portuguese midfielder on loan would undoubtedly suit Villa better with the idea that Onana returns either at the end of this season or for the start of next, but it seems Bayern are eager to offload him on a permanent basis.
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According to Florian Plettenberg, Villa remain adamant on our stance that we only wish to loan Palhinha for the season, while Bayern are rejecting this proposal as their priority remains a permanent transfer.
He has previously added that personal terms have already been agreed and so that’s not an issue, but time will tell whether or not a breakthrough can be made between the two clubs as he notes that contact continues between them to try and reach an agreement.
Ultimately, it’s hoped that Villa don’t buckle and opt to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal or with an obligation to buy included in the agreement, as although he can certainly make an important impact for us this season in adding a steeliness and physical presence in midfield, he’s the wrong side of 30, would likely command relatively high wages and with Onana to return, it doesn’t seem like a sensible long-term investment.
Time will tell if Bayern are willing to change their stance, but perhaps Villa would be wise to have alternatives in mind in case there is no compromise to be reached.
Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara will start the season in our midfield pivot, with the likes of Lamare Bogarde, Ross Barkley and Victor Lindelof able to step in if needed, but with more incomings and outgoings expected between now and the end of the transfer window, it wouldn’t be a surprise if either Palhinha or a Plan B arrived to bolster our midfield options.
