Villa Bolsters Squad with Goretzka Signing, Close to Landing Leã for €50M
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Aston Villa have kicked off their summer rebuild by signing German international Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, while simultaneously closing in on Portuguese forward Rafael Leã from AC Milan in a deal worth around €50 million. Goretzka, who ended his eight-year stint at Bayern Munich, has chosen Villa as his next destination, donning the number 27 shirt. Meanwhile, Leã, nicknamed the 'new Cristiano Ronaldo', is prepared to accept reduced wages to make the switch to the Premier League, rejecting a lucrative offer from Galatasaray.
Key Points
- Leon Goretzka has signed for Aston Villa after leaving Bayern Munich on a free transfer, receiving the number 27 shirt .
- Goretzka departed Bayern after eight years, having previously been linked with Serie A and several Turkish clubs before choosing Villa .
- Villa are finalizing a deal for Rafael Leã worth €50 million, comprising an €8 million loan fee followed by a €42 million mandatory purchase next summer .
- The Portuguese international turned down Galatasaray's offer of €12 million annually after tax to join Villa for €6.5-8 million per year .
- Villa manager Unai Emery personally recruited Leã by using examples of players like Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford who revived their careers at the club .
Why It Matters
Villa's aggressive recruitment reflects the club's ambition to consolidate their position among England's elite following a season of significant player departures. The signings of Goretzka and potentially Leã demonstrate Villa's ability to attract high-calibre talent despite losing key players, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the Premier League mid-table battle this season .
Villa's aggressive recruitment reflects the club's ambition to consolidate their position among England's elite following a season of significant player departures. The signings of Goretzka and potentially Leã demonstrate Villa's ability to attract high-calibre talent despite losing key players, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the Premier League mid-table battle this season .