Joao Palhinha Tottenham
Aston Villa are considering a move for João Palhinha, following the end of his Tottenham Hotspur loan, as they face the prospect of completely rebuilding their midfield this summer.
Record in Portugal report that Aston Villa could provide competition to Benfica for the 31-year-old, who Bayern Munich are keen to move on this summer.
Benfica interest
The newspaper explains that João Palhinha is in ‘high demand’ this summer after returning to Bayern from a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have elected against signing him on a permanent basis, instead spending big on rebuilding their own midfield.
Benfica have quickly emerged as an option for him and know it will take €25m to get him from Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese side are willing to meet that figure. Although, they would prefer the player to initially join on loan with an obligation to buy. They are also aware that they will face competition in the race for the midfielder.
Juventus are also in the race and now Aston Villa are considering a possible move to sign the 31-year-old.
Aston Villa rebuild
They’re facing a midfield rebuild after Youri Tielemans’ surprise move to Manchester United. Having also lost Amadou Onana and seen Douglas Luiz return to Juventus from a loan spell, Unai Emery needs signings.
Johan Manzambi is on his way from Freiburg. But more arrivals will be required, and it sees attention is now on Palhinha. He would offer proven Premier League experience from his spells at Fulham and Tottenham, something Emery may value highly.
Whether the Villans are willing to spend €25m on a player of his age, though, remains to be seen. They would, presumably, prefer to focus on younger talent to develop under Emery’s leadership rather than player’s post 30.
But with the situation becoming somewhat dire, a move for an experienced player like Palhinha could be the ideal stopgap.
🇧🇷 Emerson Royal | “I’m very happy with this proposal”
➡️ Player thrilled with Aston Villa efforts to sign him
➡️ Transfer could be resurrected https://t.co/HZCZgOTETc #thfc #coys
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 10, 2026