Aston Villa has entered initial talks to sign German midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, as part of the English club’s efforts to add more experience to manager Unai Emery’s squad.
Italian journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that contacts have already begun between both parties, while the Birmingham Mail reported that Aston Villa hopes to make significant progress over the weekend, though no final agreement has been reached yet.
Goretzka, 31, with 73 international caps, welcomes a move to a team that finished fourth last season and secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League. Villa’s management also appears capable of meeting his high financial demands, which had previously stalled negotiations with other clubs.
The German international departed Bayern Munich as a free agent following the expiration of his contract last June, after both parties agreed not to renew, bringing an end to an 8-year journey. During his time with Bayern, he won the UEFA Champions League, the historical sextuple, as well as 7 Bundesliga titles and 3 domestic cups.
Goretzka ended his Bavarian career with 312 official appearances, scoring 51 goals and providing 44 assists. In his final season, he featured in 48 matches, scoring 5 goals and delivering 5 assists across 2,349 minutes of play.
Aston Villa had already bolstered their squad this summer by signing João Gomes and Yohan Manzambi, alongside acquiring goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, full-back Matteo Ruggeri, and young defender Modou Keba Cissé, in addition to bringing in Alejandro Garnacho on loan. Goretzka could become the latest addition to Emery’s project if the wage agreement is finalized.
