If you’re a top-level midfielder, it would almost be an insult if at least one transfer call didn’t arrive this summer. Nearly every top club find themselves chasing a new star in the middle of the park, creating some absurd fees, and Aston Villa are certainly one of those clubs.
After Youri Tielemans joined the midfield merry-go-round to arrive at Manchester United and Amadou Onana suffered an ill-timed ACL injury at the World Cup, the Villans are set to welcome Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes in two rapid-fire deals. But they’re not done there.
Unai Emery still wants one more name through the door in that department and that’s where Joao Palhinha could play his part. The Bayern Munich man looks destined to leave the German giants this summer, just like he did 12 months ago, and that’s sparked an interesting race.
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Rating Aston Villa’s potential new midfield |
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Johan Manzambi |
It’s one of the heists of the year from Aston Villa. Newcastle looked guaranteed to land Manzambi’s signature, before the Midlands club came swooping in. A breakout star at the World Cup, the Switzerland international came away from the tournament with three goals and two assists. He’ll be an excellent addition. |
9/10 |
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Joao Gomes |
Those in the Midlands managed to keep this one quiet. Again, it’s a quality addition. Joao Gomes knows the Premier League well and will replace Onana’s work out of possession. Just two players won more tackles than the former Wolves man in the Premier League last season. |
7/10 |
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Joao Palhinha |
Interestingly enough, Palhinha was one of just two players to win more tackles than Gomes last season. As a partnership, they would be one of the best out of possession duos in the Premier League. Aston Villa still have work to do before Palhinha is theirs, however. |
7/10 |
The deal is there to be done and with Benfica unable to match Aston Villa’s finances, Palhinha could be on his way to the Midlands in no time.
Aston Villa readying official Palhinha hijack
As reported by O Jogo in Portugal, Aston Villa are readying an official hijack to sign Palhinha ahead of Benfica this summer. The Portuguese giants are relying on the midfielder’s desire to return to his home country, but it’s Villa who are able to match his €9m-a-year (£7.8m) wage demands.
In terms of negotiations, the Premier League side are also now expected to launch talks with Bayern Munich, joining Benfica at that crucial next step.
The German giants loaned Palhinha out to Spurs last season, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be looking for an outright sale and outright sale only this time around. If that is the case, then Villa should have the advantage yet again.
Emery is already set to welcome two midfield stars and should do everything in his power to make the Bayern man the third. He would be the perfect partner for Manzambi and Gomes.
