Leon Goretzka close to joining Aston Villa as free agent after Bayern Munich exit

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing German midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, a move that would give Unai Emery’s squad a serious injection of experience and physicality right when it needs it most.

Goretzka, 31, left Bayern Munich at the end of the 2025-26 season and has been weighing his options as a free agent. Villa appear to have won the race, with the player expected to approve the move soon after already holding direct conversations with manager Emery.

Why Villa need Goretzka yesterday

Youri Tielemans completed a £35 million transfer to Manchester United, removing one of Villa’s most reliable creative forces from the center of the pitch. Then Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury during the 2026 World Cup. Two starting midfielders gone before the season even kicks off.

Villa initially tried to address the crisis by pursuing a loan for João Palhinha, the former Bayern Munich midfielder. That move fell through, prompting the club to pivot toward Goretzka.

The deal hasn’t been finalized yet. Goretzka still needs to pass a medical examination, and the financial terms are reportedly substantial: around €7 million net per year in salary, plus a potential €10 million signing bonus.

What Goretzka brings to Villa Park

He made 312 appearances for Bayern Munich across eight seasons, scoring 51 goals and providing 53 assists from 2018 to 2026.

On the international stage, Goretzka has earned 73 caps for Germany and appeared in three World Cups: 2018, 2022, and 2026.

The clock is ticking

With the transfer window closing on September 1, 2026, Villa don’t have the luxury of drawn-out negotiations. Free agents can sign outside the window, but Villa clearly want Goretzka integrated into the squad as quickly as possible.

There were reportedly some initial doubts within the club about pursuing the deal, according to The Athletic. Those reservations appear to have been overcome as the midfield situation grew more dire.

Villa’s broader recruitment strategy this window has emphasized experienced, low-fee signings rather than splashy headline deals. Goretzka fits that template: no transfer fee, proven quality, and immediate availability, with salary demands of €7 million net per year and a potential €10 million signing bonus representing a lower total outlay than buying a comparable player on the open market.

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