news-engine

Aston Villa could have a major say in João Palhinha’s future, with Benfica seemingly waiting to see whether the Premier League side finally make their move for the midfielder. Villa have been linked with the Bayern Munich man throughout the summer, while Benfica are trying to take him back to Portugal. The latter’s hopes appear to depend partly on the English interest going nowhere. Speaking on CMTV’s Mercado Now, journalist Paulo Catarro was asked about suggestions of a possible understanding between Palhinha and Benfica. The theory is that he could reject other destinations, allowing Benfica to eventually sign him for less. Catarro believes Aston Villa would make that plan considerably more complicated. “Aston Villa aren’t just any club. We’re already talking about one of the top clubs in the Premier League,” he said. “And I think other factors start to carry weight in that situation.” Waiting for Aston Villa’s move João Palhinha would also be taking a risk if he simply waited for Benfica, according to Catarro. “That possible pact also carries a risk for João Palhinha. He could reach the end of the transfer window and Bayern could say: ‘Right, so you don’t want to go to this club? Then you stay here with your contract and don’t play.'” “So I think they need to be very careful here. There needs to be a very close relationship and constant dialogue between Palhinha, his representatives and Bayern Munich, so they don’t reach that point.” Newcastle United have also been credited with interest in Palhinha, giving Bayern another potential Premier League route for the midfielder. Attention therefore turns back to Aston Villa and whether they actually follow up their interest. “It also depends on what sort of offer Aston Villa might eventually want to make,” Catarro continued. “Because if they haven’t made one yet… English clubs normally do these things quickly and before the official season starts.” “Next weekend we’ll have the Community Shield, and then the Premier League starts the weekend after that. So we’re basically two weeks away from the start of the competition.” Benfica need Aston Villa to stay quiet Asked whether Benfica’s chances would increase if Aston Villa fail to make progress before then, Catarro agreed. “Yes… But only if Aston Villa don’t come forward with a proper offer. And if Palhinha is going to turn them down, he also needs to have good reasons. Who turns down a potential offer from a club like Aston Villa?” “Aston Villa can always pay more than Benfica in terms of wages.” | Premier League 2025/26 | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---| | Appearances | 33 | | | | | Started | 23 | | | | | Minutes per game | 67 | | | | | Total minutes played | 2197 | | | | | Goals | 5 | | | | | Assists | 2 | | | | There is, however, one obvious argument in Benfica’s favour. “The question is what sort of arguments Palhinha could use. It’s true that he wants to return to Portugal to be close to his children. That’s also a strong argument and normally carries a lot of weight with club officials.” “But they need to be careful about how this whole situation is handled. “Benfica have already made Bayern Munich aware that they want João Palhinha. Now it’s a question of waiting and seeing…” And Catarro was pretty straightforward when asked whether Benfica can afford that waiting game. “What choice do they have?” he said, laughing. “Benfica can’t do anything other than wait and hope the price comes down. Otherwise, they simply can’t get João Palhinha. It’s as simple as that.” For Aston Villa, that leaves the door very much open. Benfica are hoping time eventually brings Palhinha within their financial reach, but a serious offer from Villa would give the midfielder a very different decision to make.