Goretzka has been capped by Germany 73 times and made 312 appearances for Bayern between 2018 and 2026. Megan Briggs / Getty ImagesAug. 22, 2026 Updated 6:02 am EDTAston Villa are hopeful of an agreement to sign Germany international Leon Goretzka.Goretzka is a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, and Villa have entered into negotiations with the midfielder.Villa had been looking for a low-cost option after Amadou Onana ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee while playing for Belgium against the USMNT in the World Cup last 16.They had been in protracted talks with Bayern over a loan with an option for Joao Palhinha.However, after discussions with Palhinha — who spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur — proved unsuccessful, Villa identified Goretzka as a leading target. Club sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, viewed the move as initially unlikely but are now growing in confidence that Goretzka’s arrival can be finalised.The 31-year-old has spoken to Unai Emery and, while an agreement is not yet in place and Goretzka still needs to complete a medical, talks are now progressing.Goretzka is viewed as a shrewd potential signing, owing to his experience, leadership and physicality. These are potentially key traits for Emery this season, given the number of departures this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa. The future of Ollie Watkins is also uncertain, with the England international pushing for a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, who have seen four bids rejected by Villa already.Goretzka has been capped by Germany 73 times and made 312 appearances for Bayern between 2018 and 2026.