Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on the signing of former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer. The 31-year-old is understood to have given a verbal agreement to the move following talks with Villa manager Unai Emery. A medical and contract signing are expected to follow if the remaining steps proceed as planned.
However, Aston Villa have not officially announced Goretzka as a new signing, meaning the transfer should still be considered a developing deal rather than completed business.
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Aston Villa Make Progress in Goretzka Talks
Villa's interest in Goretzka has developed quickly. Reports earlier this week indicated that the Premier League club had entered advanced discussions with the Germany international. The situation has since progressed, with Goretzka reportedly giving his approval to Villa's project following direct conversations with Emery.
Because Goretzka is a free agent, Villa do not need to negotiate a transfer fee with another club. The remaining process is expected to include a medical, final contract formalities, and an official announcement if everything is completed successfully. Until those stages are finished, Goretzka remains a free agent.
Why Goretzka Is Available on a Free Transfer
Goretzka left Bayern Munich this summer when his contract expired, bringing eight years with the Bundesliga champions to an end. Bayern had announced in January that the midfielder would leave at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season after the two sides decided not to extend his contract.
He eventually departed after making 312 competitive appearances for Bayern. Goretzka also won 15 trophies during his time in Munich, including multiple Bundesliga titles and the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League. That experience makes him one of the most established free agents available during the current transfer window.
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Why Aston Villa Want Goretzka
Central midfield has become an important area for Aston Villa to strengthen. Amadou Onana is facing a lengthy absence with a knee injury, leaving Emery with fewer established options in the middle of the pitch. Goretzka would provide experience as well as a different physical profile.
The German is capable of playing centrally in a deeper midfield role but is also comfortable making forward runs and arriving around the penalty area. His combination of physical strength, aerial ability and experience in possession could give Emery additional flexibility.
He would also bring extensive Champions League and international experience to a Villa squad continuing to compete at European level. At 31, the move would be focused more on immediate impact and experience than long-term development.
What Happens Next?
The key point is that the transfer is not yet officially complete. Reports indicate that Villa are preparing for Goretzka to undergo a medical before signing his contract. An official club announcement would then confirm the move.
Because he is unattached, no transfer fee or selling-club agreement is preventing the deal from progressing. If the final formalities are completed, Goretzka would be experiencing Premier League football for the first time after spending his entire senior career in Germany.
Conclusion
Aston Villa appear to have made significant progress in their attempt to sign Leon Goretzka, but the former Bayern Munich midfielder has not yet been officially announced as a Villa player. A verbal agreement is reportedly in place, with a medical and contract signing expected to be the next steps.
For Villa, the potential free transfer offers an opportunity to add an experienced Champions League-winning midfielder without paying a transfer fee. The next important update will be whether Goretzka completes those final formalities and Aston Villa officially confirm his arrival.