Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich as they step up plans to rebuild their midfield before the transfer window closes.
The Portugal international has emerged as one of the Magpies’ options following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, two major losses that have left Newcastle searching for proven experience in the middle of the pitch.
Palhinha, 31, is back at Bayern after spending last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs had the opportunity to make his stay permanent but decided against activating their purchase option.
Bayern are now looking for a permanent solution rather than sanctioning another temporary move for the former Fulham midfielder.
That position could influence Newcastle’s next move, particularly because they are not alone in pursuing Palhinha.
Aston Villa are already in talks with Bayern and have publicly confirmed negotiations over a possible transfer. However, no agreement has been reached, leaving the door open for Newcastle to challenge for his signature.
Palhinha’s extensive Premier League experience is a significant attraction for Newcastle. He established himself as one of the division’s leading defensive midfielders during his time with Fulham before joining Bayern in 2024.
His spell at Tottenham last season gave him further experience in English football before his return to Germany this summer.
Newcastle’s interest comes as the club attempts to reshape a midfield that has lost two of its most important players.
Guimaraes has completed a £75m move to Arsenal, while Tonali joined Tottenham for £100m, leaving the Magpies with considerable transfer funds but also major gaps to fill.
Palhinha is not their only target.
Newcastle are also exploring the conditions of a potential move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, another player with extensive Premier League experience following his years with Southampton and Tottenham.
Both players would provide the experience Newcastle are looking for, although they offer different qualities. Palhinha is renowned for his defensive work and ability to break up opposition attacks, while Hojbjerg offers a combination of physicality, leadership and distribution.
Newcastle must now decide whether to accelerate their pursuit of Palhinha before Aston Villa can reach an agreement with Bayern.
With Bayern favouring a permanent sale and Villa already at the negotiating table, the Magpies may need to move quickly if they decide the Portugal international is their preferred option.
