Aston Villa are in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad following Amadou Onanas serious knee injury. The Portugal international has emerged as a target after Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while representing Belgium at this summers World Cup, leaving Villa short of options in midfield ahead of the new campaign.Palhinha, 31, is understood to be open to a move to Villa Park, although sources close to the player say he has yet to make a final decision.Bayern Munich are willing to let the midfielder leave just two years after signing him from Fulham in a deal worth �47.4million.The former Fulham man spent last season on loan at Tottenham, but Spurs opted against activating their �26m option to make the move permanent.Villas interest has now been confirmed by director of football Damian Vidagany, who admitted negotiations are ongoing.Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans, Vidagany told German outlet Bild.We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something were to happen, it would always be based on the great respect we have for Bayern.The comments came after Villas 2-1 pre-season defeat to Bayern Munich in Hong Kong, with Palhinha featuring as a second-half substitute for the Bundesliga champions.Villa are expected to remain active in the transfer market following a summer of significant departures.Morgan Rogers has completed a club-record move to Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United and Lucas Digne has returned to France with Paris Saint-Germain.Emery has already moved to reshape his squad, bringing in Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, Joao Gomes from Wolves, Johan Manzambi from Freiburg and Moudou Keba Cisse from LASK Linz.Palhinha would add further Premier League experience as Villa prepare to defend their Europa League crown and compete on multiple fronts in the 2026-27 season. Topics Aston Villa F.C. Joao Palhinha Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read PSG complete signing of Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne Mitch Fretton 9th August, 2026 Bayern Munich 2-1 Aston Villa: Pre season friendly report Ben Miller 7th August, 2026 Bayern v Aston Villa: Teams and line-ups for pre-season friendly Ben Miller 7th August, 2026 Bayern v Aston Villa: Line-ups, stats and preview Ben Miller 7th August, 2026 August in the Premier League: Five key fixtures to watch Tom Rostance 4th August, 2026 Friendlies: Kamara scores on Villa return as Bayern also win on tour Tom Rostance 4th August, 2026
