Leon Goretzka is edging towards Aston Villa on a free transfer after direct talks with Unai Emery. Fabrizio Romano said Villa have a verbal agreement in place, with medical and signature planned this upcoming week. If it goes through, Goretzka would become Villa’s seventh summer signing.
Villa's move for a proven midfielder
The appeal is obvious. Goretzka has 73 caps for Germany, has made 312 appearances for Bayern München and scored 51 goals from midfield. He also won 8 Bundesliga titles and 1 Champions League title there, which gives Villa a player with real top-level mileage rather than a gamble on upside alone.
Bayern have already let him go and he has been a free agent since his contract expired at the end of last season. That timing matters for Villa, because a player of his level is available without a transfer fee and can move quickly if the rest of the deal is lined up.
Why Villa want the deal now
Villa's need is just as clear. Amadou Onana is out long term with a knee injury, and the club have also lost several midfield options this summer. Unai Emery has already acknowledged the issue in his squad, saying: "We have an issue with him, it's clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him. I don't want to sell him but it can change because if it's a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving."
That is why Goretzka fits this stage of Villa's window. The club are not just adding another body, they are trying to cover midfield losses with a player who has played at the top end for years. The reported plan is medical and signature this week, and Villa are moving as if the deal is close enough to finish quickly.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →
