[REVISION HISTORY]

Leon Goretzka nears Aston Villa move on free transfer

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-23 16:34 UTC → 2026-08-23 21:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following the expiration of his contract with Bayern Munich, German midfielder Leon Goretzka remained without a club despite being described as a “privileged” free agent. While various European clubs were linked to the 31-year-old, no agreements were reached due to reported salary demands and a lack of interest following his performance at the World Cup. Negotiations with Premier League side Aston Villa have progressed significantly, with the club reaching a verbal agreement to sign the 31-year-old on a free transfer. Villa manager Unai Emery reportedly held direct discussions with Goretzka to secure his commitment to the club’s project. The move aims to provide midfield reinforcement following the departure of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and a serious ACL injury to Amadou Onana during the 2026 World Cup. Goretzka, a 73-time German international and Champions League winner, is expected to undergo medical examinations and sign official documents within the coming week. Reported financial terms include a net salary of approximately €7 million per season and a potential €10 million signing bonus. As the transfer nears completion, Aston Villa has faced a challenging start to their Premier League campaign. On August 21, 2026, the club suffered a 4-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The match featured two goals from Jack Hinshelwood and saw Villa’s João Gomes sent off following a VAR review for a foul on Georginio Rutter, leaving the team to play much of the match with ten men. The heavy defeat also coincided with speculation regarding striker Ollie Watkins, who was absent from the squad amid links to a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Regarding Watkins' absence, Unai Emery declined to provide specific details, stating, “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”

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