Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has poured cold water on Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Joao Palhinha on loan this summer.
Bayern Munich are eager to move several players on before the transfer window closes in the coming weeks. One of those players is Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, who joined the club for €51 million and is now expected to return to the Premier League.
Palhinha never established himself at Bayern after his big move from Fulham and was sent out on loan after just one season in Bavaria. Tottenham signed him on loan last season, where he played an important role in their fight to avoid relegation, making 33 league appearances.
His future remains uncertain, with Aston Villa reportedly interested in signing him. Unai Emery is keen to recruit a defensively minded midfielder following Amadou Onana’s injury. There have been reports that Palhinha has agreed personal terms with the Birmingham club, but complications remain after initial talks.
Aston Villa move for Joao Palhinha stalls
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has insisted that the club will not be able to reach an agreement with Aston Villa. Speaking to the press, as relayed by Sky Sports, he confirmed that talks had taken place between the two clubs but explained that there are differences in their positions.
Eberl said, “We had read that Aston Villa had contacted us regarding Joao, and that is correct. But we will not be able to reach an agreement with Aston Villa. It simply doesn’t work because we are not in a position where we have to do everything that others try to impose on us. So there is an overall situation involving three parties who have to reach an agreement, and unfortunately, there is currently no agreement between all three parties.”
The key issue is that Bayern Munich want a permanent solution for Palhinha rather than sanctioning another loan move. The two clubs reportedly differed over the proposed terms as talks progressed, and Eberl’s comments make it clear that Bayern have no intention of accepting Villa’s current proposal.
Newcastle United were also interested earlier in the summer as they look to strengthen their midfield following the departures of several key players. They could remain an option unless Aston Villa change their approach and submit an offer that satisfies Bayern, although the Bavarian giants are not expected to recoup anything close to the €51 million they paid to sign him.
