Newcastle United’s midfield has undergone a dramatic transformation this summer, with Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali both leaving and two young replacements arriving in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Now, the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope and Simon Jones are confirming earlier reports linking Newcastle to Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is now on the Magpies’ shortlist as the club searches for an experienced midfielder to complement its younger options and lead Matthias Jaissle’s team on the pitch.
“Newcastle have identified Joao Palhinha as an option in their search for an experienced midfielder to fill the void left by Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali,” Hope and Jones reported.
The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Tottenham, and Bayern sporting director Max Eberl admitted at the end of July (h/t iMiaSanMia) that Palhinha is no longer part of the German club’s plans and is bound to exit the club this summer, opening the door for another Premier League move. According to GOAL, Bayern could demand €25 million for their player.
Shortly after those comments, ESPN’s Bruno Andrade identified Palhinha as one of two midfielders tracked by Newcastle.
“Newcastle United have two midfielders on their shortlist as potential replacements for Bruno Guimarães, who is heading towards joining Arsenal,” Andrade said. “One of those players is Joao Palhinha. Newcastle see him as a good replacement”
Palhinha, however, might not be Newcastle’s primary option at this stage. Recent reports point toward Olympique Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg being further along in the process, with the former Premier League player having already approved a move to Newcastle if the Magpies come calling.
“Talks continue over a move for Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a deal in the region of £13million (€15 million) could accelerate over the next 48 hours,” the Daily Mail reported.
The outlet confirmed that Hojbjerg has indicated he is interested in joining Newcastle, while adding that Jaissle views the Dane as a potential organizer at the base of his midfield.
Back to Palhinha, it looks like Newcastle is keeping all their alternatives available and open while negotiations with Hojbjerg and other targets continue, and the Portugal international would fit the experienced profile the club is targeting after losing two established and veteran midfield leaders.
“Newcastle like the Portugal international and he fits the profile of older head they want to complement new arrivals such as Sean Steur, 18, and Aladji Bamba, 20,” Hope and Jones reported.
Would you rather see Newcastle complete the Hojbjerg deal for €15 million, or pivot toward Palhinha if Bayern makes him available at €25 million? Let us know which veteran you would prefer in the comments section below!
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