{"id":258450,"date":"2026-08-18T14:40:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/18\/he-wants-to-join-aston-villa-now-in-talks-to-sign-26m-star-alongside-wan-bissaka\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T14:40:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:40:15","slug":"he-wants-to-join-aston-villa-now-in-talks-to-sign-26m-star-alongside-wan-bissaka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/18\/he-wants-to-join-aston-villa-now-in-talks-to-sign-26m-star-alongside-wan-bissaka\/","title":{"rendered":"He wants to join: Aston Villa now in talks to sign \u00a326m star alongside Wan-Bissaka"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Aston Villa<\/a> are now in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who could be brought in alongside West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With Amadou Onana suffering a long-term knee injury, and Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United, it will be important for Villa to improve their midfield before the transfer deadline in two weeks time, and Palhinha could be the ideal addition to their ranks.<\/p>\n

The 31-year-old has made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League<\/a>, across spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, and he received major plaudits for his work-rate from former teammate Tim Ream<\/a>, who said: “He\u2019s everywhere. Sometimes I look up and he\u2019s in front of me, and two seconds later he\u2019s closing someone down near the corner flag. His energy is unbelievable.”<\/em><\/p>\n

A defensive-minded midfielder, the 37-cap Portugal international excels when it comes to winning back possession, making more tackles than any other player in a major European league in the 2022-23 season.<\/p>\n

Last season, the 31-year-old made 110 tackles in the Premier League, which was an average of 4.5 per 90, and the second-highest number in the top flight, behind only Everton star James Garner.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Ranking<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Aston Villa’s top tacklers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Number (Premier League 2025-26)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

1.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Matty Cash<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

2.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Youri Tielemans<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

58<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

3.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Emiliano Buendia<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

49<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

4.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Amadou Onana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

5.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Ian Maatsen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

43<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

As such, the former Tottenham man could be the ideal addition to Unai Emery’s midfield, and there has been a fresh update on the Villan’s pursuit.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Aston Villa in talks to sign Joao Palhinha<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/David Klein<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

According to reporter John Townley, Aston Villa are still working on a move for Palhinha<\/a>, who could join alongside West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the right-back also being pursued.<\/p>\n

The Bayern Munich midfielder is keen on a move to Villa Park, and fellow reporter Jacob Tanswell<\/a> has suggested the German side would be willing to cash-in for just \u20ac30m (\u00a326m), which could be paid at the end of an initial loan spell.<\/p>\n

Tanswell adds that Villa have now engaged in fresh talks to sign the Portugal international, but there could be competition from Benfica, with widespread reports suggesting the Portuguese side have now agreed personal terms.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Aston Villa stepping up pursuit of new striker<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\"christopher-nkunku-ac-milan\"\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Daniele Mascolo<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

As Ollie Watkins has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal<\/a>, Aston Villa have also been stepping up a move for a new striker, and they have opened talks regarding a deal for AC Milan star Christopher Nkunku.<\/p>\n