Aston Villa’s pursuit of João Palhinha could have a major impact on João Gomes, just weeks after Unai Emery sanctioned a £38million move for the Brazil international.
Villa are now in talks with Bayern Munich over a João Palhinha Aston Villa transfer, with director of football Damian Vidagany publicly confirming the club’s interest.
The Portuguese midfielder returned to Bayern after spending last season on loan at Tottenham and would provide another experienced defensive option following Amadou Onana’s long-term injury.
ReadAstonVilla has already covered Villa’s talks for Palhinha and Bayern’s willingness to discuss his departure. Aston Villa confirm João Palhinha interest as talks begin
The more interesting question now concerns what his arrival could do for the midfielders Emery already has.
João Palhinha Aston Villa move could unlock Gomes
Gomes was not signed simply to sit in front of Villa’s centre-backs.
His best qualities are far more aggressive.
During his final three Premier League seasons at Wolves, Gomes made 380 tackles, 83 more than any other player in the competition over the same period. He also led the league for possession recoveries.
Those numbers demonstrate why he earned his reputation as a relentless ball-winner, but his mobility is equally important.
Gomes can leave his position to close opponents, compete for loose balls and carry possession forward after turnovers. Asking him to remain permanently stationed in front of the defence would remove some of the qualities Villa paid £38million to acquire.
Palhinha could change that.
The 31-year-old is comfortable occupying the deepest midfield position and has extensive Premier League experience after spells with Fulham and Tottenham.
Bayern confirmed that he made 44 appearances in all competitions during his season in north London, including 34 in the Premier League. Bayern Munich’s review of Palhinha’s Tottenham loan
With Palhinha protecting the space behind him, Gomes could be given greater licence to hunt the ball higher up the pitch.
That possibility already looks intriguing after Friday’s 2-1 defeat against Bayern.
Gomes scored Villa’s goal and produced another energetic performance before the UEFA Super Cup. ReadAstonVilla subsequently examined why his display may have forced Emery into an early selection decision. £38m Aston Villa signing may have just forced Emery’s hand
Emery would gain another midfield combination
Palhinha’s arrival would not necessarily mean Boubacar Kamara loses his place.
It could instead prevent Villa from becoming dependent on him.
Kamara has only recently returned following a lengthy knee injury and remains one of Emery’s most intelligent players when Villa need control at the base of midfield.
Managing his workload will be important during another season containing Premier League and Champions League football.
Palhinha would give Emery an experienced alternative while also creating the possibility of different pairings depending on the opposition.
Against teams Villa expect to dominate, Kamara’s composure in possession may remain preferable. Matches requiring greater physical protection could suit Palhinha.
Gomes can then be used more aggressively alongside either player.
That would represent a significant change from simply viewing Villa’s midfielders as direct replacements for Youri Tielemans and Onana.
Sky Sports reported that Villa paid an initial £34million plus £4million in add-ons for Gomes. Sky Sports: Aston Villa complete £38m João Gomes signing
The investment only makes sense if Emery builds around the Brazilian’s strongest attributes.
Signing Palhinha could help him do exactly that.
