Leon Goretzka ‘Very Close’ to Aston Villa Move as João Palhinha Deal Takes Major Blow

Aston Villa appear to be closing in on a major midfield addition, with former Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka reportedly “very close” to joining Unai Emery’s side following a significant setback in the club’s pursuit of João Palhinha.

 

Villa had been working for weeks on a deal for Palhinha, but their hopes of bringing the Portugal international back to the Premier League have suffered a major blow after Benfica emerged as the leading destination for the midfielder. Reports indicate that Benfica have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over a deal worth around €15 million plus a further €5 million in bonuses.

 

The development has forced Villa to look at alternative options, and Goretzka has quickly emerged as an attractive solution.

 

According to recent reports, Aston Villa have opened negotiations with the 31-year-old Germany international. Goretzka is available as a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. Multiple reports now suggest that talks between the player and Villa have progressed significantly.

 

Goretzka would represent a very different type of midfield signing from Palhinha. While the Portuguese midfielder is renowned for his defensive strength, ball-winning ability and positional discipline, Goretzka offers a more rounded profile. He can operate as a central midfielder, contribute defensively and make late runs into the opposition penalty area.

 

That versatility could be particularly valuable to Emery as he continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

 

Goretzka brings a wealth of experience to the table. During his time at Bayern, he established himself as an important member of one of Europe’s most successful teams, making more than 300 appearances for the German giants. He also has extensive Champions League experience and has represented Germany at major international tournaments.

 

His arrival could therefore give Villa not only additional quality but also leadership and experience in the middle of the pitch.

 

The timing of the potential move is also significant. Villa have undergone substantial changes during the summer transfer window, with several established players leaving the club. Youri Tielemans has departed for Manchester United, while Morgan Rogers has reportedly joined Chelsea for a British-record fee. Other exits have added to the sense of a major squad rebuild under Emery.

 

Villa have already invested heavily in midfield, bringing in players such as Johan Manzambi and João Gomes, but Emery appears keen to add further depth and experience.

 

Goretzka could be especially important because of the uncertainty surrounding Amadou Onana, who has suffered an ACL injury. Villa’s need for additional midfield options has consequently become more pressing, making the German an increasingly logical target.

 

The potential deal could also make financial sense. Unlike Palhinha, who would require a transfer fee, Goretzka is available without a transfer fee after leaving Bayern. That could allow Villa to strengthen their squad while managing the financial pressures associated with a busy transfer window.

 

However, a free transfer would not necessarily mean a cheap deal. Goretzka’s salary, signing-on package and contract demands could still make the agreement a significant financial commitment. Nevertheless, Villa may view the overall package as more achievable than Bayern’s demands for Palhinha.

 

Palhinha’s proposed move to Benfica appears to have changed the situation dramatically. Villa had previously remained determined to secure the midfielder, but negotiations were complicated by differences over the structure of the deal. Villa reportedly preferred a loan arrangement with an option to buy, while Bayern were more interested in a permanent transfer.

 

Benfica’s willingness to offer Bayern a permanent solution appears to have given the Portuguese club the advantage.

 

For Villa, the focus now seems to have shifted decisively towards Goretzka. Reports describing the German as “very close” to joining the club will encourage supporters, although the transfer should still be regarded as unfinished until the final contractual details are completed.

 

If the move goes through, Goretzka could become one of the most experienced additions to Emery’s revamped squad. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch would give Villa another tactical option, while his experience at the highest level could prove valuable during a demanding Premier League and European campaign.

 

What began as a frustrating setback in the pursuit of Palhinha could therefore end with Villa landing a player of considerable pedigree. With Goretzka seemingly edging closer to a move, Aston Villa may have found an unexpected but potentially highly effective answer to their midfield problem.