Aston Villa are in talks to sign former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, according to BirminghamLive. The move comes after Villa missed out on João Palhinha, whom they wanted to sign on loan.
Midfield cover after Onana injury
Following Amadou Onana’s ACL injury, suffered during the World Cup, Villa have been looking to cover his absence for most, if not all, of next season with a midfield addition. Goretzka, who left the Bundesliga champions at the end of last season, has emerged as a prime target.
BirminghamLive understands that Villa's move for Goretzka could progress quickly this weekend.
Goretzka's Bayern and Germany career
Now 31, Goretzka made 48 appearances for Bayern last season and still started 25 league matches under Vincent Kompany. After joining Bayern in 2018 on a free transfer following his departure from Schalke, Goretzka won seven Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the Champions League in 2020.
Goretzka has also been capped 73 times by Germany and played in three of their four World Cup games during the summer, starting in the round-of-32 game against Paraguay.
Villa's transfer needs before deadline
Villa are in need of new signings before the window closes on September 1, with a centre-back and a winger also needed. Ollie Watkins could leave for Al-Hilal in the coming days, which would leave Villa needing to source a new striker too.
The club's pursuit of Goretzka is part of a broader effort to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline.
