Leon Goretzka officially continued his career in England after joining Aston Villa on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.
"Aston Villa is delighted to announce the arrival of Leon Goretzka. The 73-cap German international and Champions League winner with Bayern Munich joins on a free transfer," Villa wrote in an official statement.
The 31-year-old joins Villa after his contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Goretzka leaves Bayern after playing for the German giants in 2018. During his eight years at the Allianz Arena, he made over 500 appearances and was a key part of Die Roten's many successes.
The Bochum-born midfielder helped Bayern win seven Bundesliga titles and one Champions League trophy. The move to Aston Villa also marks Goretzka's first time playing outside of Germany.
Before joining Bayern, he began his professional career with VfL Bochum in 2012/13, then played for Schalke 04 from 2013 to 2018.
Now, Goretzka becomes Aston Villa's seventh signing of the 2026 summer transfer window. Previously, the club, the reigning Europa League champions, brought in Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki, Matteo Ruggeri, and Modou Cisse.
Villa also recruited Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United on loan.
