Leon Goretzka left Bayern Munich at the end of last season
Leon Goretzka left Bayern Munich at the end of last season(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Aston Villa are in talks to sign former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer.
After missing out on João Palhinha, whom Villa wanted to sign on loan, they have now moved for Goretzka, who left the Bundesliga champions at the end of last season.
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.
BirminghamLive understands that Villa hope to progress negotiations for Goretzka this weekend.
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 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.