– German midfield star could be on his way to Villa Park
Leon Goretzka is on his way away from Bayern Munich after his contract expired – and now the 31-year-old could be on his way to the Premier League. According to reports, Aston Villa have started talks with the German international.
Aston Villa start the Premier League season away to Brighton on Sunday.
Goretzka joined Bayern from Schalke in 2018 and made 312 appearances for the German giants – with 51 goals from midfield and seven Bundesliga titles. He left the club this summer after it became clear in January that his contract would not be extended.
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Since June 30, he has been a free agent – and was part of Julian Nagelsmann’s German World Cup squad. Now it seems that he has found his next club.
Villa look towards Goretzka – after Palhinha went to Benfica
According to talkSPORT, Villa were looking for João Palhinha – who played with Goretzka at Bayern. But the Portuguese, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, has instead joined Marco Silva at Benfica.
Thus, Villa have set their sights on the experienced Goretzka, and journalist Matteo Moretto reports that the clubs are in talks.
The 31-year-old is injury-free and still has many years left at the top level – although the salary is hardly low. But for Villa, who have lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, the need for midfield reinforcements is great.
Midfield crisis after Onana injury
Villa brought in João Gomes from Wolves to replace Tielemans, but after Amadou Onana suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the World Cup, they have been pushing for a new player in the position.
With Boubacar Kamara, Lamare Bogarde, Victor Lindelöf and Ross Barkley as other options, Goretzka – a proven winner – will be a solid reinforcement.
His physique also makes him a good match for Premier League football.
Aston Villa’s summer – sale and signings
Villa have sold several key players: Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne are gone. But they have also brought in several new ones:
- Johan Manzambi (Freiburg) – £52 million
- Matteo Ruggeri (Atlético Madrid)
- Zion Suzuki (Parma) – goalkeeper
- Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea) – loan
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham) – loan
In addition, young George Hemmings and Brian Madjo are expected to play important roles – the latter of whom scored in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.
Goretzka could be the next piece in a Villa team that is betting big. The question is whether he chooses Villa Park – or if other Premier League clubs sign up.
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