Aston Villa Sign Leon Goretzka on Free Transfer Following Bayern Munich Exit

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of experienced Germany international Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, adding a Champions League winner to Unai Emery’s squad ahead of a return to Europe’s top competition.

The 31-year-old arrives at Villa Park following the conclusion of an eight-year spell with Bayern Munich. Villa described their latest arrival as a “serial winner”, with Goretzka bringing more than 500 senior career appearances and 73 Germany caps to the West Midlands.

His move to the Premier League represents the first time Goretzka has played club football outside Germany, having previously represented VfL Bochum and Schalke before joining Bayern in 2018.

Goretzka brings major European experience to Aston Villa

Goretzka arrives at Villa Park with a trophy collection few players in the Premier League can match.

During eight seasons in Munich, the midfielder made 312 appearances for Bayern and was part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history. He leaves having won 15 trophies, including seven Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League.

His most memorable European success came during the 2019/20 season, when Goretzka started every match of Bayern’s Champions League finals tournament in Lisbon. Bayern eventually defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final to complete their European triumph before going on to become six-time trophy winners across an extraordinary period.

That experience could prove particularly valuable for Emery as Villa prepare for another season of Champions League football.

After the league phase draw confirmed Villa’s European opponents, the arrival of a midfielder who has regularly competed in the latter stages of the competition adds further pedigree to the squad.

What will Leon Goretzka bring to Aston Villa?

At 6ft 2in, Goretzka offers Villa a powerful and experienced presence in central midfield.

Throughout his career, the German has demonstrated an ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch, combining physicality and defensive work with intelligent runs into attacking areas.

His attacking output at Bayern illustrates that threat. Goretzka scored 51 goals across his 312 appearances for the German giants, while establishing himself as a regular presence in midfield across domestic and European competition.

Emery now has another experienced option as he continues to reshape his Villa squad following a busy summer at Villa Park.

Goretzka joins fellow new arrivals including Zion Suzuki, Matteo Ruggeri, Johan Manzambi and João Gomes, while Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have also arrived as Villa prepare to compete on several fronts during the 2026/27 season.

A serial winner arrives at Villa Park

Perhaps the biggest attraction of Goretzka’s signing is the experience he brings to a squad once again preparing for major domestic and European occasions.

The midfielder has played at the highest level of German and European football throughout much of his career, while his 73 appearances for Germany include involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His arrival also comes at an important point in Villa’s season.

After opening their Premier League campaign away from home, Emery’s side return to Villa Park to face reigning champions Arsenal on Monday 31st August. The fixture begins a campaign in which Villa supporters will once again be able to watch Premier League and Champions League football at B6.

With Goretzka now added to Emery’s options, there is another new face for supporters to look forward to seeing in claret and blue.

Watch Aston Villa with official hospitality

Aston Villa are preparing for another huge season at Villa Park, with Premier League and Champions League football returning to B6 throughout 2026/27.

Eventmasters offer official Aston Villa hospitality packages for selected fixtures, providing supporters and corporate guests with the opportunity to experience matchday in style.

With stadium redevelopment resulting in reduced capacity this season, hospitality availability for some of Villa’s biggest matches is expected to be limited.

Explore our Aston Villa hospitality packages today and secure your place at Villa Park as Goretzka and Emery’s new-look squad compete across another major campaign.

Aston Villa Leon Goretzka FAQs

Have Aston Villa signed Leon Goretzka?

Yes. Aston Villa officially announced the signing of Leon Goretzka on a free transfer following his departure from Bayern Munich.

How old is Leon Goretzka?

Leon Goretzka is 31 years old.

Which clubs has Leon Goretzka played for?

Goretzka began his senior career with VfL Bochum before joining Schalke in 2013. He moved to Bayern Munich in 2018 and spent eight seasons with the German giants before signing for Aston Villa in 2026.

Has Leon Goretzka won the Champions League?

Yes. Goretzka was part of the Bayern Munich side that won the UEFA Champions League in 2020, defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

How many times has Leon Goretzka played for Bayern Munich?

Goretzka made 312 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich during his eight years with the club.

Can I book Aston Villa hospitality through Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offer official Aston Villa hospitality packages for selected matches at Villa Park throughout the 2026/27 season, including Premier League and European fixtures.