After leaving Bayern: Goretzka set to move to the Premier League | OneFootball

After eight years with FC Bayern, Leon Goretzka left Munich this summer. Now, for the first time in his career, the 31-year-old could be headed abroad. Aston Villa is reportedly in serious talks to sign the free agent midfielder. Initial discussions are said to be underway.

As reported by talkSPORT, Aston Villa is considering signing Leon Goretzka. Transfer insider Matteo Moretto is even more specific: According to his information, talks are already underway between the Premier League club and the former Bayern pro.

For Goretzka, this would be his first stint outside of Germany. The 31-year-old left FC Bayern this summer after eight years and has been a free agent ever since.

With his experience, the German international could be an interesting option for Aston Villa. Goretzka has played in 327 Bundesliga matches and 73 Champions League games. In addition, he has made 73 international appearances for Germany to date.

Goretzka could become an alternative to Palhinha

What’s particularly curious: Aston Villa had previously been heavily pursuing Bayern midfielder João Palhinha.

Palhinha had long been on the English club’s wish list. However, Villa initially wanted to sign the Portuguese player on loan, while Munich insisted on a permanent transfer. As a result, no agreement was reached.

That matter has now been settled once and for all. Palhinha is set to join Benfica Lisbon.

Now, of all people, Goretzka could become the alternative. Unlike Palhinha, no transfer fee would be required for the 31-year-old.

The fact that Villa continues to seek reinforcements for the midfield despite the transfers already made is also related to the team’s current personnel situation. Amadou Onana suffered a torn cruciate ligament during the World Cup, while Youri Tielemans has left the club.

Aston Villa has already invested heavily in the midfield with Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg and João Gomes from Wolverhampton. Goretzka could bring additional experience to the newly assembled squad.

No agreement has been reached yet

For Aston Villa, the former Bayern star would be an attractive prospect, particularly given his experience at the highest level. During his time in Munich, Goretzka won numerous titles and regularly gained experience in the Champions League.

His free-agent status also makes him a relatively affordable option on the transfer market, even though Goretzka was among the higher-paid players on the Bayern roster during his time there.

It remains to be seen whether both sides can agree on the financial terms. However, the talks—which are apparently already underway—indicate that a move to Aston Villa could be much more than just a passing thought.