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 si...