Aston Villa sign Leon Goretzka on free transfer

Aston Villa have signed former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, BBC Sport reported on Thursday. The 31-year-old Germany international became available after his Bayern contract expired in July, ending an eight-season spell with the Bundesliga club.

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Goretzka leaves Munich with 312 Bayern appearances and 51 goals. During his time there, he won seven league championships and the 2020 Champions League. He has also collected 73 caps for Germany, scoring 15 international goals, and appeared three times at this summer's World Cup.

The arrival gives Villa another option in a midfield depleted by Amadou Onana's knee injury. BBC Sport reported that Onana, who sustained the injury while playing for Belgium at the World Cup, is expected to remain out until next year. Villa began their Premier League season with a 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Sunday.

Villa's squad has undergone significant change this summer. According to the BBC report, defender Ezri Konsa moved to Arsenal for an initial £51 million, Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for £117 million, Youri Tielemans signed for Manchester United and Lucas Digne returned to Paris Saint-Germain. The club has also added 20-year-old Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi.

Goretzka joined Bayern from Schalke in 2018 after beginning his senior career with hometown club Bochum. He has operated chiefly as a central midfielder, including as a number six, while also filling in at centre-back and in a more advanced role. His timing into the penalty area and aerial ability contributed to his scoring record from midfield.

His playing time had become less secure in recent seasons. BBC Sport said Bayern manager Vincent Kompany primarily used him as a substitute last season, while Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann gave him 96 minutes across three appearances at the World Cup. The emergence of Bayern academy midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic increased the competition in Munich, and Goretzka's contract was allowed to run down. His move to Villa now offers a new club opportunity while leaving his future role with Germany uncertain.