Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha has returned to Bayern Munich after a largely successful loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur last season, but he remains deemed surplus to requirements by Head Coach Vincent Kompany. The player himself has now provided the latest update on his transfer future.
Will Palhinha Leave Bayern This Summer?
João Palhinha Speaks on Bayern Exit
João Palhinha continues to feature prominently in Bayern Munich's transfer plans this summer. After a successful loan spell at Tottenham, the Portuguese international has been attracting interest from across Europe - particularly from Aston Villa and Benfica. Now, the player has had his own say on the speculation.
Asked about his future by CNN Portugal, Palhinha said:
Now I'm going back to Bayern, as you know. There has been quite a saga surrounding this, but I am a Bayern player at the moment.
And he spoke about Benfica specifically:
Benfica? We'll see. I'm not going to talk. I respect your work, but I don't want to speak right now. I will return to Portugal at some point, but I don't know if it's going to be now.
Palhinha's Destination Remains Uncertain
Listening to the player himself, it is obvious a transfer is still very much on the cards; however, his destination remains uncertain.
After such a solid showing at Tottenham last season, it would not be surprising to see his links to Aston Villa eventually come to fruition. The Villans need his exact profile, with Amadou Onana picking up a devastating ACL injury during the World Cup. Palhinha's Premier League experience and transfer availability make him a genuine option.
However, reports suggesting a move to Villa was already in advanced stages have been shot down by Florian Plettenburg.
Meanwhile, the player himself has confirmed his desire to "return to Portugal at some point" and has not ruled out that return happening sooner rather than later.
From Bayern's point of view, where the player goes does not really matter. The objective remains to offload a player who has never really had a future under the management of Vincent Kompany.
Author's Verdict: Palhinha Should Go to Villa
Out of the options on the table, a move to Aston Villa represents the best choice for the player himself and Bayern.
Selling to a Premier League team could secure the Bavarians a larger transfer fee and would keep Palhinha closer to the level he has become accustomed to playing at during his loan spell at Tottenham (rather than taking what could only be described as a step down to the Portuguese League).
Furthermore, it is safe to say that Palhinha is still at the level required for the Premier League. It has been a surprise to many outside of the Bundesliga how little success he has had at Bayern after impressing in England.
With Villa in desperate need of an affordable option to bolster their midfield in the wake of Amadou Onana's injury, a transfer to the Villans looks extremely sensible - as well as a good match for Palhinha himself.
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