Aston Villa close in on Goretzka as summer of upheaval reshapes Emery's squad
Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich this summer. Talks between the club and the 31-year-old are ongoing, with discussions reportedly centred on contract length, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano Fabrizio Romano, X.
The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell reports that Villa are progressing in those talks and regard Goretzka as offering key experience, leadership and physicality — qualities they need right now Jacob Tanswell, X. Sky Germany's Patrick Berger adds that several enquiries have been made for the midfielder, with moves to the Premier League, Italy or Spain all on the table Patrick Berger, X.
Goretzka's pedigree is serious. He won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020 across eight years at Bayern, scoring 51 goals and providing 53 assists in 312 appearances. He has 73 caps for Germany and played three times at this summer's World Cup. Bayern confirmed in January that his contract would not be renewed, and he became a free agent when it expired on 30 June FC Bayern.
For Villa manager Unai Emery, the need is urgent. Amadou Onana, the midfielder Emery signed to anchor his midfield, is out until next year with a knee injury suffered while on duty with Belgium at the World Cup. Villa had been chasing Bayern's Joao Palhinha as a replacement, but the Portuguese midfielder is expected to move to Benfica instead. Goretzka, available without a transfer fee, became the practical answer.
The bigger picture at Villa Park is one of extraordinary turnover. Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United in July. Lucas Digne returned to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month. Morgan Rogers was sold to Chelsea for £117m. On Friday, Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal in an initial £51m deal. That is four key players from last season's squad already gone, with the transfer window still open. Emery has also said he cannot guarantee that striker Ollie Watkins will remain at the club, amid interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
Villa open their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton on Sunday. A squad stripped of so much experience, with Champions League football to balance alongside domestic commitments, needs reinforcements through the door — and fast.
For fans, the prospect of Goretzka in claret and blue is a genuinely exciting one. This is a player who has lifted the biggest trophy in European club football and performed for his country on the world stage. If Villa can get the deal over the line, it would be a statement that amid all the departures, Emery's ambition remains intact.
