Leon Goretzka looks set to continue his career in England. Transfer expert Matteo Moretto reports that the 31-year-old German free agent is in talks with Aston Villa.
Goretzka left Bayern Munich this summer after eight successful years. The defensive midfielder made no fewer than 312 appearances for Bayern, scoring 51 goals and supplying 53 assists.
Across those years, the 73-cap international was a key figure in Bayern's midfield. He was, for instance, an undisputed starter in the side that beat Paris Saint-Germain to win the Champions League in 2020.
In recent years, though, his role became more marginal and that ultimately led to his departure from the Allianz Arena. Goretzka was hardly short of interest this summer. Atlético Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter and Arsenal were all mentioned.
His significant financial demands are said to be one of the reasons why he is still without a club. According to German media, he wants a net salary of seven million euros per season and a signing bonus of ten million euros.
Whether Villa and Goretzka can strike a deal remains to be seen. The club are looking for an additional central midfielder following the departures of Youri Tielemans (Manchester United) and Enzo Barrenechea (Benfica).
Unai Emery has already brought in a central midfielder in João Gomes, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers. With numbers short in that position, 19-year-old youth player George Hemmings got the chance to sample senior action during pre-season.