Aston Villa in talks to sign former Bayern midfielder Goretzka
German international midfielder Leon Goretzka, who became a free agent this summer, could continue his career in the Premier League as Aston Villa has opened talks over a possible transfer.
Leon Goretzka, 31, left Bayern Munich after his contract expired and remains without a club as a free agent. The Germany international joined Bayern in 2018 from Schalke and made 312 appearances for the Bavarian side, scoring 51 goals and winning seven German championship titles with the club.
Talks with the Birmingham club
According to journalist Matteo Moreto, negotiations between Goretzka and Aston Villa are already underway. The Birmingham-based club had initially targeted Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, who played for Tottenham Hotspur last season, to strengthen their midfield, but Palhinha opted to return home and joined Benfica in Lisbon. As a result, Villa's attention has turned to Goretzka.
Midfield reshuffle
Aston Villa also lost midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer, who moved to Manchester United for around £35 million. Joao Gomes arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers as a replacement, but the club's midfield options were further stretched by a cruciate ligament injury to Amadou Onana.
Goretzka would be a valuable, experienced addition for Villa ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League, given his physical playing style and top-level experience. Since he is a free agent, the club would not need to pay a transfer fee for him — the main open question remains the player's salary demands.
