Aston Villa sign former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer

Aston Villa have signed Germany international Leon Goretzka as a free agent following his departure from Bayern Munich, giving manager Unai Emery another experienced midfielder ahead of the new season.

The 31-year-old leaves Bayern after eight seasons in Munich, during which he made 312 appearances and scored 51 goals. He won seven Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the Champions League with the German club.

Goretzka arrives at Villa with 73 caps for Germany and 73 appearances in the Champions League. He is now preparing to play in the Premier League for the first time after choosing Villa as the next step in his career.

The midfielder said his decision was influenced by his previous experience of playing at Villa Park, where Bayern were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa in the Champions League in 2024.

“I remember it was a really special atmosphere and crazy energy in the stadium,” Goretzka told VillaTV.

“For us, with Bayern, it wasn’t the best experience we had. For you, it was probably one of the best. I’m really looking forward to experiencing nights like this again.”

Goretzka is hoping to enjoy the atmosphere from the home side this time, with Aston Villa aiming to produce more memorable European nights.

“The Champions League nights are always special,” he said. “I played some games there already, and every time to hear the song before the game is always special.

“I’m really looking forward to having some special nights here.”

Goretzka spent time weighing up his options after leaving Bayern but said his early discussions with Villa convinced him that the club was the right destination.

“It’s a really good feeling to sign here,” he said. “From the first moment, I had a really good feeling, and I’m really happy to be here.

“I had a good feeling from the first conversation with the coach. Aston Villa, for me, is a really big club.”

His arrival strengthens Emery’s midfield options after Youri Tielemans moved to Manchester United and Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea. Defender Ezri Konsa has also left Villa to sign for Arsenal.

Goretzka said he wants to use his experience to help the club meet its targets while adapting to the demands of English football.

“I want to help the team to achieve their goals and to bring my experience that I have from my whole career,” he said. “Let’s play a good season.

“Obviously for me it’s a new league. I’m really looking forward to playing in these kinds of big games every few days.”

The former Bayern player could make his Aston Villa debut against Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday.

Villa’s move for Goretzka comes after a decorated spell in Germany, where his domestic success was complemented by European honours and regular international football.

He will now attempt to transfer that experience to the Premier League and compete in the high-profile matches that come with Villa’s ambitions in England and Europe.