Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, with negotiations over a free transfer reaching the final stages.
Talks between Villa and the 31-year-old Germany international’s representatives have advanced rapidly, putting Unai Emery’s side in a strong position to secure an experienced addition to their midfield without paying a transfer fee.
More recent reports on Saturday indicated that an agreement had been reached for Goretzka to move to Villa Park, although Aston Villa had not announced the signing at the time of those reports.
Villa move quickly for Goretzka
Goretzka became available as a free agent after his contract with Bayern Munich expired this summer, ending an eight-year spell with the Bundesliga giants.
Villa’s interest developed quickly. Reports on Friday said the Premier League club had opened negotiations with the midfielder before talks accelerated towards a potential agreement.
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reported that Villa turned their attention to Goretzka after a proposed move for João Palhinha fell through.
Goretzka had also attracted interest elsewhere following his Bayern departure. Reports linked him with clubs including Atlético Madrid, Juventus and Newcastle United before Villa emerged as serious contenders for his signature.
Eight successful years at Bayern
Goretzka would arrive at Villa Park with extensive experience at the highest level of European football.
The midfielder joined Bayern from Schalke in 2018 and went on to make 312 appearances for the German club in all competitions, scoring 51 goals and providing 53 assists.
His time in Munich included multiple Bundesliga titles as well as Champions League success. He was part of the Bayern side that completed a historic treble in 2020.
Goretzka also brings significant international experience. The midfielder has earned more than 70 caps for Germany and has represented his country at major international tournaments.
Emery strengthens Villa midfield
The pursuit comes as Villa seek additional options in midfield following significant changes to Emery’s squad.
Amadou Onana is expected to miss a substantial part of the season because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Youri Tielemans has left the club. Villa have already recruited midfielders this summer but have continued searching for another experienced option.
Goretzka’s free-agent status offers Villa the opportunity to add a player with considerable Bundesliga, Champions League and international experience without negotiating a transfer fee with another club.
With negotiations having moved rapidly towards completion, Villa are now on the verge of adding the former Bayern midfielder to Emery’s squad.
