Aston Villa add Germany international Leon Goretzka to midfield

Aston Villa have officially signed Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, strengthening their squad during the current summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old joins after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season when his contract expired, bringing an eight-year spell with the German champions to a close. The move represents Goretzka’s first professional experience outside Germany.

Goretzka completed his medical on Tuesday before Aston Villa confirmed the deal on Thursday. He started his career with Bochum and later played for Schalke, where his performances earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2018.

During his time at Bayern, Goretzka made 312 appearances in all competitions, scoring 51 goals and providing 53 assists. He won seven Bundesliga titles with the club, as well as the Champions League and a number of domestic trophies.

His arrival gives Aston Villa a player with extensive experience at the highest level of both club and international football. Goretzka has won 73 caps for Germany and scored 15 goals for his country.

The transfer is part of Aston Villa’s efforts to reinforce their midfield. The club have lost Belgium international Youri Tielemans, who moved to Manchester United, while Amadou Onana is expected to be absent for an extended period because of injury.

Goretzka’s departure from Bayern marked the end of a lengthy association with the club. He joined the Munich side in 2018 after developing through Bochum and Schalke, and went on to become part of a team that collected major domestic and European honours.

His record at Bayern includes more than 300 appearances, underlining the experience he brings to Aston Villa. Across those matches, he contributed directly to 104 goals through his combined scoring and assisting figures.

Aston Villa also highlighted the signing on social media with an image of Goretzka wearing the club’s colours. The post carried the caption: “Goretzka in the shirt of the Europa League champions 👊”, followed by the club’s “The Villans” social media tag and lion symbol.

The midfielder now begins his first campaign in English football after spending his entire professional career in Germany. His move to Villa Park adds another established international to the squad as Aston Villa continue their summer recruitment.

For Goretzka, the transfer provides a fresh challenge after eight seasons with Bayern Munich, where he won seven Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and other domestic silverware. His 73 appearances for Germany also give Aston Villa a recruit accustomed to international competition as well as the demands of elite club football.