Aston Villa in advanced talks to sign free agent Leon Goretzka after Bayern Munich exit

Advanced negotiations in Birmingham

Aston Villa have entered into advanced negotiations to secure the signing of German international midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer. The 31-year-old midfielder became an unattached free agent after his contract with Bayern Munich expired at the end of June 2026, concluding an eight-year spell with the Bavarian club. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is actively pushing for the transfer and conducted direct discussions with Goretzka within the past 24 hours. Representatives for both sides are currently exchanging proposals regarding the financial terms of the contract. Although club officials initially viewed a deal as unlikely, confidence has grown that the transfer can be completed, though Goretzka must still undergo a standard medical examination before any contract is signed.

Tactical pivot following midfield injury

The Premier League club intensified their pursuit of Goretzka after being forced to address an unexpected vacancy in central midfield. Regular midfielder Amadou Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while representing his country at the World Cup in North America, ruling him out of action. Aston Villa initially attempted to resolve the positional shortage by engaging in protracted talks with Bayern Munich for Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, who spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. Villa sought a loan arrangement with an option to purchase in order to avoid paying a large upfront transfer fee. After those negotiations with Palhinha broke down without an agreement, Emery and the Villa recruitment staff designated Goretzka as their primary target.

Goretzka profile and continental interest

Emery views Goretzka as a strategic addition who can provide leadership, physical presence and extensive top-level experience to the squad. Across his eight seasons with Bayern Munich between 2018 and 2026, the midfielder made 312 competitive appearances and secured seven Bundesliga titles. On the international stage, Goretzka has represented Germany 73 times and was included in the national team squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. If the agreement is finalised, the move will mark the first time in Goretzka's professional career that he plays for a club outside of Germany. Villa face competition from across the continent, as clubs in Spain and Italy, including Juventus, have also expressed concrete interest in signing the veteran midfielder.

Summer restructuring at Villa Park

The pursuit of Goretzka arrives during a period of considerable squad turnover for the reigning Europa League champions. Aston Villa have already overseen the departures of several senior first-team players during the summer transfer window, including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa. Uncertainty also surrounds the future of England international striker Ollie Watkins, who is actively pushing for a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Villa have already rejected four separate bids from the Saudi club for Watkins as negotiations continue. Should Goretzka complete his move to Villa Park, the German midfielder will join a squad that includes 20-year-old Swiss player Johan Manzambi.