Overview
- Senior officials from Aston Villa and Bayern Munich met in Hong Kong on Friday, restarting stalled discussions over Palhinha after the clubs exchanged proposals remotely.
- Aston Villa sporting director Damián Vidagany confirmed Villa's interest and said the clubs are "in talks" but that no agreement has been reached.
- The main obstacle remains money and deal structure, with German reports citing Bayern's asking price at about €25 million and debates over whether a permanent sale or a loan with wage coverage will be acceptable.
- Palhinha, 31, returned to Bayern after a 2025–26 loan at Tottenham and is under contract in Munich through 2028; Bayern have publicly listed him as surplus after paying roughly €50 million in 2024.
- Other clubs such as Newcastle and Benfica have been linked to Palhinha and Villa's financial rules and short-term need for cover make a subsidised loan or a low-fee deal the likeliest compromise to watch next.