Newcastle United have reportedly submitted an offer to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha after his proposed move to Aston Villa collapsed. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Magpies have offered the 31-year-old a three-year contract.
Palhinha's Bayern struggles
Palhinha spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, but Spurs opted not to make the move permanent. He has returned to Bayern Munich, where he is out of favour and has made only 17 Bundesliga appearances since joining from Fulham in 2024 for £47m.
The Portugal international won the Bundesliga in his first season in Germany, but has struggled with injury and competition from Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Newcastle's midfield overhaul
Newcastle have seen Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes depart for Tottenham and Arsenal respectively, while Joelinton has expressed a desire to leave. New manager Matthias Jaissle has brought in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, but at 18 and 20 years old, they lack experience.
Palhinha would bring that experience, having played in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Champions League and Portuguese top flight. He would also be available for a reduced fee given his situation at Bayern, despite having two years left on his contract.
Jaissle on squad needs
Speaking earlier this week, Jaissle said: "You all see the matches, you're smart enough to see the needs in the squad," adding that he hoped there would be 'progress' on transfers.
