Aston Villa’s potential move for João Palhinha could have been handed a boost, with him recently rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia.
Mais Futebol report that the midfielder is determined to either return to Portuguese football or stay in Europe this summer.
João Palhinha has a decision to make about his future after returning to Bayern Munich from a loan deal at Tottenham Hotspur.
Bayern had been hopeful that Tottenham would make the deal permanent, but they have instead gone in a different direction, spending big on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
It’s left Bayern and Palhinha in a difficult situation. Bayern want to move him on permanently, but the suitors are not forthcoming just yet. Aston Villa are potential admirers.
Sport Witness covered a report this week explaining how they could move as they need to rebuild their midfield this summer. That potential effort may have already been handed a boost.
Saudi Arabia rejection
Mais Futebol report that Palhinha has, in recent days, turned down a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia.
The offer, described as a ‘strong push’, was not enough to convince the 31-year-old of the move. He is currently prioritising being close to his family and in a more competitive environment.
Aston Villa can offer the latter after securing Champions League football. But Benfica, who are also suitors, could be a better fit. They’d offer a return to Portugal and European football. However, they are yet to match Bayern Munich’s demands in any form.
The Bavarians have initially demanded €25m for the Portuguese international. Now they are willing to accept a reduction on that figure to help facilitate the player’s departure this summer.
Mais Futebol report there are also clubs in England interested in him. Aston Villa would likely be one of them, but they are not named specifically. Either way, Palhinha has turned down Saudi as he waits for a better offer to arrive.