BBC Sport reported in August that Aston Villa were discussing a move for Joao Palhinha after Amadou Onana’s knee injury. Villa director Damian Vidagany said talks were taking place but there was no agreement. The BBC also reported that Tottenham had not exercised its purchase option after Palhinha’s loan.
On 26 August, Bayern confirmed Palhinha’s transfer to Benfica. Max Eberl said the player had chosen to continue his career in Portugal. The announcement does not disclose the fee or explain the outcome of the earlier Villa talks. This update records the later destination and does not claim Villa completed a replacement signing.
Corrections
- Source check, 13 October 2026: The article itself and BBC report do not establish the negotiated transfer structure; a permanent route label should not imply otherwise.