Official! Long-serving Bayern leader to continue career in the Premier League

Aston Villa have pulled off one of the most high-profile and unexpected free transfers of the summer.

Details: German midfielder Leon Goretzka has officially become an Aston Villa player, joining the Birmingham club as a free agent.

The 31-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further season. A key factor in completing the deal was direct contact with Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery, with the Spanish manager personally calling the midfielder and convincing him to take on a new challenge. The deal with ROOF, the agency representing the player's interests, was finally completed last week.

Leon Goretzka had been without a club since his contract with Bayern Munich expired at the end of June. The midfielder spent eight years with the German giants, winning 15 trophies, including the Champions League title. At Aston Villa, the experienced German is expected to address problem areas in central midfield and strengthen the squad for its European campaign.

It is worth noting that during the 2025/26 season, Leon Goretzka made 31 appearances for Bayern Munich in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists. Authoritative website Transfermarkt currently values the midfielder at €12 million.

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