Leon Goretzka set for Premier League move after Bayern Munich exit
Bayern Munich made some tough decisions at the end of last season by parting with a couple of senior players on free transfers. Leon Goretzka was one of the senior players who were not handed new contracts.
The German midfielder spent eight successful seasons at Bayern, lifting every possible trophy with the club. Goretzka announced that he will leave Die Roten in January after the club hierarchy told him he would not be offered a new deal. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid tried to sign him in the winter transfer window, but he decided to stay at Bayern.
Goretzka was linked heavily with several clubs during the second half of the season, but he is yet to sign for a club. It does look like his next destination will be the Premier League.
According to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, Aston Villa are in talks to sign Goretzka on a free transfer. The Daily Mail in the UK and Talksport have also confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in the German midfielder.
Aston Villa have been looking to sign midfielders this summer after losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. They will be without Amadou Onana for a considerable time due to a knee injury he suffered at the World Cup. Villa have signed Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Midlands club was also interested in signing Joao Palhinha from Bayern. However, they had proposed a loan deal with an option to buy. Die Roten were keen on a permanent deal for the Portuguese midfielder. Palhinha is now close to completing a permanent transfer to Benfica, reuniting with his former manager Marco Silva.
Premier League football will suit Goretzka
A move to Aston Villa will be an exciting prospect for Goretzka. Unai Emery has led the Midlands club to qualify for European football consistently. They finished fourth last season and won the Europa League. With Champions League football at Villa Park, Goretzka will get to play at the top-level next season.
The Premier League football will also suit Goretzka. He is technically decent, but his best qualities are the physicality and robustness he provides out of possession. There is a good chance that Goretzka seamlessly adapts to the demands of one of the best leagues in Europe.
Villa will get a proven winner in Goretzka. They have lost a lot of experience this summer, so someone like Goretzka will bring a lot of leadership to the squad. It will be a very solid signing for Unai Emery’s team.
