Aston Villa‘s pre-season meeting with Bayern Munich in Hong Kong could shape far more than preparations for the new campaign. According to Sport 1, via Sport Witness, senior officials from both clubs are expected to use the occasion to restart discussions over João Palhinha after negotiations lost momentum during the summer.
Aston Villa transfer news: Hong Kong meeting could revive stalled deal for João Palhinha
The Portugal international has returned to Bayern following his loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, yet Vincent Kompany’s plans no longer include the experienced midfielder. Bayern are open to selling him, though their asking price has created a sizeable gap between the two clubs.
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Villa have kept their interest alive despite that obstacle. Face-to-face talks offer a chance to settle differences over the structure of a deal rather than exchanging proposals from afar. Palhinha has publicly spoken about wanting to stay in Munich, although German reports suggest those comments may have formed part of his negotiating position instead of reflecting his preferred outcome.
T4O take: Why Aston Villa should avoid a permanent deal
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Joao Palhinha of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Palhinha enjoyed an impressive individual campaign in difficult circumstances. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, he scored five goals and produced two assists in 33 appearances for Tottenham, playing 2,197 minutes. His stoppage-time winner against Everton on the final day secured Spurs’ survival and cemented his place as one of their standout performers.
Even so, Aston Villa shouldn’t commit £21.5 million plus substantial wages for this transfer. Unai Emery has already reshaped his midfield. João Gomes arrived from Wolves in a £35 million deal and brings the same aggressive ball-winning qualities while offering greater mobility and a much younger profile. That signing alone changes the picture.
Why Aston Villa already have enough depth
Boubacar Kamara has recovered from his long-term injury, while Amadou Onana and John McGinn provide strong competition across central midfield. Palhinha would struggle to arrive as an automatic starter despite reportedly earning around €192,000, or £165,000, per week.
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Those figures matter. Villa continue working within Profit and Sustainability Rules, and spending heavily on a 31-year-old with little resale value makes limited financial sense. The squad still requires investment elsewhere after Ezri Konsa‘s imminent departure, leaving more urgent priorities than another holding midfielder.
Nobody questions Palhinha’s commitment or his ability to break up attacks. His reading of danger remains excellent. Yet the physical traits that once separated him have started to fade, especially during quick transitional matches. Unless Bayern slash the asking price or agree to a subsidised loan, Villa would be paying premium money for a player whose role already belongs to somebody else.