Bayern Munich unable to resolve Palhinha impasse as Boey and Zaragoza also face uncertain futures

The proposed move for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich to Aston Villa has collapsed after the clubs failed to agree on the midfielder’s value, leaving the Portugal international and two other players outside the club’s plans with their futures unresolved.

Aston Villa had explored a deal for Palhinha, but the gap between Bayern Munich’s asking price and the Premier League club’s valuation proved too wide. Talks over a possible loan, including an option to buy, also failed to produce an agreement.

Bayern Munich are keen to move on the 30-year-old during the summer transfer window, despite Palhinha having a contract with the German club until 2028. He is not included in the team’s plans for the new season.

The Bundesliga club want between 25m and 30m euros for Palhinha, a figure Aston Villa considered excessive. That financial demand remains a central obstacle for the other clubs monitoring the midfielder.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed on Friday that a transfer to Aston Villa would not happen, saying discussions had not reached a stage where a deal could be completed.

“I read that Aston Villa contacted us about Joao, and that is true. But we will not reach an agreement with Aston Villa. Quite simply, it will not work, because we are not in a position where we have to meet all the demands of others. There is an overall situation, and three parties have to reach an agreement,” said Eberl.

He added: “The transfer market is different after a World Cup than usual, but it is no less uncertain. We still have almost two and a half weeks, and we have communicated very clearly from the beginning, internally and externally, about the situation.”

Palhinha recently said he wanted to remain at Bayern Munich, but the player and his advisers are continuing to consider offers in case he leaves before the window closes. His preference is for a proposal that offers a suitable sporting project as well as satisfactory financial and personal terms.

According to German newspaper Bild, Aston Villa are not the only club interested in the midfielder. Newcastle United and Benfica have also shown a desire to sign him.

However, Bayern Munich’s valuation presents the same problem for those clubs. Palhinha’s departure therefore appears dependent on one of his suitors submitting an offer acceptable to Bayern’s hierarchy.

The club are facing a similar lack of progress in negotiations over the futures of Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza. Neither player is currently part of Bayern Munich’s plans for the coming campaign, meaning the trio remain in a comparable position.

“Unfortunately, there is still no agreement between the three parties regarding these three players,” Eberl said.

Palhinha, Boey and Zaragoza are consequently still waiting for clarity, with Bayern Munich seeking agreements that would allow the club to complete its plans for the three players before the summer transfer window closes.