Bayern Munich reject Aston Villa approach for Joao Palhinha amid transfer stand-off

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl says the club are not prepared to allow other parties to dictate the terms of Joao Palhinha’s possible move to Aston Villa.

Eberl confirmed that Aston Villa had contacted Bayern Munich about the Portugal midfielder, but said no agreement had been reached between the three parties involved in the proposed transfer.

“We have read that Aston Villa contacted us about Joao, and that is correct,” Eberl said at a news conference on Friday.

He added: “We will not be able to reach an agreement with Aston Villa, because we are not in a position to do everything that others try to impose on us.”

The Bayern Munich sporting director said the situation required an agreement between the German club, Aston Villa and Palhinha, but that such an agreement did not currently exist.

“There is an overall situation involving three parties who have to reach an agreement, and unfortunately, there is currently no agreement between the three parties,” Eberl said.

Sky Sports reports that Bayern Munich want to negotiate a permanent sale for Palhinha rather than allow him to leave on loan. The 31-year-old is understood to be interested in a move to Aston Villa, with a loan deal including an option to buy having been proposed.

Aston Villa are seeking an additional midfielder after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury that is expected to keep him out for a lengthy period. The club have also lost Youri Tielemans, who has moved to Manchester United.

Palhinha spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. The Portugal international made 45 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.

The midfielder’s future therefore remains unresolved, with Bayern Munich insisting that any move must reflect the terms the club is willing to accept. Aston Villa’s interest has been confirmed, and Palhinha has indicated a preference for the move, but the proposed loan arrangement does not currently match Bayern Munich’s reported desire for a permanent transfer.

Eberl’s comments make clear that Bayern Munich are not ready to conclude a deal simply because Aston Villa have made an approach. The club’s position is that all three sides must agree before Palhinha can leave, while negotiations remain without a settled outcome.