Aston Villa and Newcastle United could be ready to go to battle for Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha.
One thing that could propel the Magpies to get more serious about Palhinha is the whiff they just had in trying to get Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano captured the news on what happened on that prospective move:
🚨⚠️ EXCLUSIVE: Pierre Emile Højbjerg’s move to Newcastle currently OFF following new talks in the recent hours.
NUFC were prepared to pay what OM wanted but
Højbjerg has decided to turn down the proposal.
According to Jacob Tanswell and Seb Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic (via @iMiaSanMia), Aston Villa is, indeed, still very interested in Palhinha, but Bayern Munich is still chasing a €30 million transfer fee for the 31-year-old:
Aston Villa have been in negotiations over a loan deal for João Palhinha for nearly a month, having wanted to recruit in that position following the long-term injury to Amadou Onana. Bayern are currently asking for a fee of €30m, either to facilitate a permanent transfer or as part of an option at the end of the loan [@J_Tanswell, @SebSB, @TheAthleticFC]
Sky Germany journalist Kerry Hau (via @iMiaSanMia_GER) is reporting that Palhinha has come to grips with the reality that he needs to move on from Bayern Munich as well:
There is much to suggest that João Palhinha will leave Bayern in the near future. He has now accepted that he no longer has any significant prospects under Kompany and is now very concretely engaging with offers from other clubs.
Three clubs are desperate to sign him: Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Benfica. On top of that, there are further inquiries from international clubs. Palhinha is short of no options. Villa can hold out great hopes for a signing, as they also play in the Champions League.
Villa coach Unai Emery has already signaled to me that he plans to fully include him. Palhinha has not yet made a final decision for himself. [@kerry_hau, TUdS]
Finally, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas issued a report stating that Palhinha is becoming more interested in a move to Aston Villa. Despite the information from Thomas, it is still unclear if Villa is interested in paying Bayern Munich’s asking price:
Joao Palhinha is increasingly interested in a move to Aston Villa.
Discussions have been ongoing between Villa and Bayern over a potential loan.
Bayern prefer to sell Palhinha but – with the player understood to be increasingly determined to go to there – Villa are hoping for a breakthrough.
Benfica remain interested in bringing him back to Lisbon to play for his former boss at Fulham Marco Silva. Sporting CP have also been interested this summer.
But Palhinha is likely to get the best deal for himself at Villa.
BFW Analysis
If Bayern Munich can get €30 million for Palhinha it would be an incredible deal. However, it remains to be seen if that figure is realistic, despite two clubs needing a player of his profile.
The financial goal is nice, but there is also the impact that losing Palhinha’s salary from the budget would make. Per Capology, Palhinha makes an annual salary of €10 million with a bonus of €2 million on a contract that runs through 2028.
If Bayern Munich can shed €24 million of salary in total, that could be worth a lot more than bickering over a few million in a transfer fee. Hopefully, Bayern Munich does not overplay its hand again.
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