Joao Palhinha could leave Bayern Munich this summer
Joao Palhinha could leave Bayern Munich this summer
Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in Bayern Munich midfielder and former Fulham star Joao Palhinha this summer.
The Portuguese international, who turns 30 on Wednesday, spent the last season in Germany with the Bundesliga champions, signing for new boss Vincent Kompany after two highly successful years under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage in which he established himself as among the best central midfielders in the Premier League.
Palhinha earned a move to Bayern, in a deal costing around £47m, and he signed a four-year contract at the Allianz Arena, but he played only 25 times in all competitions and started only six Bundesliga matches, in a campaign which was hit by muscle injuries.
The player himself has recently told Kicker that he is eager to remain: “I will do everything to prove my worth. Why should I leave? I’m at one of the greatest clubs in the world. I’m up for the fight. If there’s anyone who wants to prove what he’s capable of, it’s me. It has been a difficult time. It was one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, seasons of my career.”
Despite Palhinha's intentions to remain, it has been suggested that he could change his mind if the offer to play more regularly elsewhere presented itself; Brighton and Hove Albion have also been linked along with Villa with a move for the Portuguese, who has 34 caps for his country.
His compatriot, former boss Silva, spoke during Palhinha's time at Fulham of a player who possessed unique abilities, which made him eventually a transfer target for German giants Bayern.
"He leads through his attitude, he's not the most vocal guy and he's improving his English as well. I want him to be more vocal and in that position it's important," Silva said. "His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football."
adidas Aston Villa range - how to get yours!
Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.
The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge. You can get your pair here
You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design. That can be bought here
The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear - that can be bought here
The DNA range continues with a claret and blue t-shirt - found here, and on the training pants which can also be matched with any of the items - they are here
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