Newcastle United‘s search for a midfielder is nearing a conclusion whether they like it or not. The Magpies have around two weeks until the transfer window slams shut and Matthias Jaissle is forced to settle for what he has.
That makes the situation all the more urgent and targets like Joao Palhinha all the more important. After suffering more shock rejection at the hands of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, the Bayern Munich man is now firmly on the radar of the Tyneside club.
This time, it’s Newcastle who are well-placed to complete a hijack. Despite earlier reports indicating that Aston Villa are in pole position, Bayern chief Max Eberl has since confirmed that a deal with the Midlands club is now off.
“You’ve read that Aston Villa contacted us regarding Joao. That is true, but we won’t reach an agreement with Aston Villa. It simply won’t work. We aren’t in a position where we have to do everything others try to impose on us.”
That has left the door wide open for Newcastle to land some revenge after watching Aston Villa hijack their move for Johan Manzambi earlier this summer.
On paper, a move for Palhinha certainly makes sense. The Portuguese is a better option than Hojbjerg and could thrive under a manager who values winning possession back quickly.
|
Most tackles in the Premier League 2025/26 |
Player |
Club |
Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
James Garner |
Everton |
119 |
|
2 |
João Palhinha |
Tottenham Hotspur |
110 |
|
3 |
João Gomes |
Wolves |
107 |
|
4 |
Tyrick Mitchell |
Crystal Palace |
103 |
|
5 |
Mateus Fernandes |
West Ham United |
103 |
|
6 |
Adrien Truffert |
Bournemouth |
103 |
|
7 |
Elliot Anderson |
Nottingham Forest |
101 |
|
8 |
Neco Williams |
Nottingham Forest |
93 |
|
9 |
Florentino |
Burnley |
90 |
|
10 |
Casemiro |
Manchester United |
89 |
With time ticking away, those at St James’ Park are already looking to take full advantage of Aston Villa’s failure to make a move of their own for Palhinha.
Newcastle table contract offer to Joao Palhinha
As reported by Marca journalist Diego Pico and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now tabled an offer to sign Palhinha and presented a three-year contract to the midfielder.
Bayern have also reportedly told the former Tottenham Hotspur loanee to pack his bags and leave after an offer from St James’ Park in another boost for Newcastle.
The Bavarian giants have been attempting to show Palhinha the door all summer, but have faced problems when asking clubs to match their £26m valuation.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle’s offer has reached that price. At this stage of the window, however, all parties involved in the midfielder’s future should be desperate to reach a resolution.
With Villa off the table, the 31-year-old’s best route back to the Premier League looks set to be a move to Tyneside before the end of the month.
