Bild: Bayern Halts Palhinha Transfer, Could Allow Goretzka to Join Villa on a Free
ScoreFast365 August 25 - According to recent reports from Germany's Bild, Bayern Munich management has halted the transfer of Palhinha to Aston Villa. This decision may instead pave the way for another midfielder, Goretzka, to join the Premier League club on a free transfer.
Villa initially viewed Palhinha as their primary target for midfield reinforcement, and the player himself was willing to move to England. Bayern's sporting directors, Eberl and Freund, were prepared to let him go since Palhinha was not part of Kompany's plans. However, Villa only proposed a one-year loan with a buyout option, while Bayern insisted on a permanent transfer in exchange for a transfer fee, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Villa quickly adjusted their strategy and accelerated their pursuit of Goretzka, whose contract is expiring, with both parties now engaged in in-depth negotiations, making a free transfer almost a certainty.
Meanwhile, Palhinha is close to joining Benfica on a permanent transfer, with both clubs having reached an agreement on a deal worth around €15 million plus bonuses. The player has also settled personal terms with the Portuguese giants, with only a few details left to clarify. Goretzka joined Bayern on a free transfer from Schalke in 2018 and has made 312 appearances over eight years, contributing 51 goals and 53 assists, while helping the team secure seven Bundesliga titles and one Champions League title among other honors. With Villa's key defensive midfielder Onana sidelined for an extended period due to a cruciate ligament injury, Goretzka is expected to take on a central role in midfield under Emery immediately.