Only the medical remains: Leon Goretzka on the verge of signing a contract with a new club
After weeks of uncertainty, Leon Goretzka apparently stands on the verge of signing for a new club.
According to Sky, the midfielder's move to Premier League club Aston Villa is all but done. Only the medical remains, after which Goretzka can put his final signature on a new contract.
Player and club have already agreed the financial terms. At the Birmingham club, Goretzka is set to sign a contract for two or three years, until 2028 or 2029.
Aston Villa coach Unai Emery is said to have played a key role in getting the deal over the line after assuring the 73-cap Germany international of a decisive role in the team. A personal conversation between the two ultimately proved decisive.
His salary expectations also appear set to be met at the English club, which had often proved difficult in negotiations with other clubs over the past weeks and months.
Juventus Turin and AC Milan therefore also apparently backed away from a signing, as the 31-year-old's financial demands could hardly be met after their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
When did Leon Goretzka's contract at Bayern Munich end?
On 30 June, the Bochum-born player's contract expired after eight years at Bayern Munich and 15 titles, including the treble in 2020. Goretzka had wanted to put himself in the shop window again at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but that went badly wrong.
Back in March, former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had still promised him a leadership role in the DFB team, but Goretzka made only three meagre substitute appearances at the tournament in North America. The sudden demotion is said not to have gone down well with Goretzka at all.
Sport Bild reported, citing sources close to the team, that the 31-year-old had become withdrawn and had often been in a bad mood. It was also said that the experienced professional had waved dismissively in frustration during the decisive penalty shootout in the round of 32 against Paraguay.
