Leon Goretzka
AVL
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Feb 6, 1995 (31)
Right
6'2"
181 lb
Makes Premier League debut
Goretzka generated one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Goretzka made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa as they went on to win 1-0 against Newcastle. He took his first shot in an Aston Villa shirt and also made five clearances as his side tried to defend their lead. Goretzka will continue to build up his minutes as he makes a return from his injury that kept him out from the beginning of the season.
Makes Villa debut
Goretzka played seven minutes and recorded no stats in Wednesday's 6-0 victory versus Fenerbahce.
Analysis: Goretzka finally made his Villa debut in the rout of Fenerbahce and played the last seven minutes after a knee problem had kept him out since his free transfer from Bayern Munich. The midfielder should now be part of the rotation, but a regular starting role looks some way off given his fitness and the competition from Ross Barkley and Joao Gomes for the spot alongside Boubacar Kamara. Villa's crowded schedule across three competitions could still open the door to a start in the coming weeks.
Amongst substitutes
Goretzka (knee) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Fenerbahce.
Analysis: Goretzka was in the traveling squad for Wednesday and has done one better, with the midfielder earning a spot on the team sheet via the bench. The veteran is yet to see the field for Villa after joining due to his knee injury, giving the club a useful option for depth. He will look to see the field, going unused in their last UCL match.
Included in UCL squad
Goretzka (knee) has been included in Aston Villa's squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Fenerbahce, according to coach Unai Emery, per Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic. "Goretzka is in the squad tomorrow."
Analysis: Goretzka is set to make his first matchday squad since joining Aston Villa after recovering from a knee injury sustained shortly after his arrival. The midfielder participated in full team training Monday and Tuesday following a period of modified sessions, suggesting he has made sufficient progress to return to competitive action. Although he missed Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford, manager Emery's latest comments confirm he is now available for selection. Given his lengthy absence, Goretzka could initially be limited to a substitute role Wednesday, with Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley remaining options in central midfield.
Resumes full team training
Goretzka (knee) participated in full team training Monday and Tuesday as planned, putting him in contention for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Fenerbahce, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Goretzka continues to make progress in his recovery from a knee injury sustained shortly after joining Aston Villa, having alternated between full and modified team sessions last week. The midfielder missed Saturday's clash against Brentford as he was not yet ready to make his debut, but his participation in consecutive full training sessions suggests he is approaching competitive fitness. Goretzka could now be included in Wednesday's matchday squad for the first time, although a substitute role appears more likely given his extended absence. Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley remain alternative options in central midfield if Goretzka is not deemed ready to start.
Misses call Saturday
Goretzka (knee) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Goretzka is not ready to make his Aston Villa debut following the knee injury he sustained shortly after joining the club. Despite participating in Villa's camp in Spain and training with the first-team group for over a week, the midfielder still needs more time before returning to competitive action. Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley remain options in central midfield during his absence.
In contention against Brentford
Goretzka (knee) has resumed training with Aston Villa's first-team squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford, according to coach Unai Emery. "Other players like Goretzka and Madjo, they are as well training with us, with the group. They joined us last week, this week they are working with us."
Analysis: Goretzka has taken another encouraging step toward making his Aston Villa debut after recovering from the knee injury he sustained shortly after joining the club. The midfielder had already participated in training during Villa's recent camp in Spain and has now been working with the first-team group for over a week. His involvement increases the possibility of featuring against Brentford, although manager Unai Emery has not explicitly confirmed his availability. Given his lengthy absence, Goretzka could initially be eased into competitive action, with Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley providing competition in central midfield.
Back in training after knee issue
Goretzka (knee) took part in training Wednesday at Aston Villa's camp in Spain, according to John Townley.
Analysis: Goretzka picked up a knee problem shortly after joining Aston Villa as a free agent, with Unai Emery confirming that the issue would keep him out for more than a month. His return to training at Aston Villa's camp in Spain marks a significant progression toward his debut, particularly with the Premier League set to resume against Brentford on Oct. 10, though Goretzka is likely to be eased back into competitive involvement with Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley having covered central midfield during his absence.
Joins Villa's training camp trip
Goretzka (knee) is part of Aston Villa's squad traveling for their mid-season training camp, with the club set to face Sevilla on Friday after playing Southampton behind closed doors last week, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Goretzka had been sidelined with a knee injury that manager Unai Emery confirmed kept him out for more than a month, with Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley covering central midfield in his absence. His inclusion on this trip is an encouraging sign that his recovery is progressing well ahead of the return of the Premier League in about 10 days.
Dealing with knee injury
Manager Unai Emery confirmed Goretzka suffered a knee injury, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Goretzka announced he'd be sidelined until after the international break after suffering a setback while building up his conditioning, but Emery confirmed the issue is a knee problem. With Goretzka sidelined for more than a month, Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Ross Barkley are options to play in central midfield.
Out until after international break
Goretzka (fitness) will remain unavailable until after the international break after suffering a setback while building up his conditioning, according to the player, per John Townley. "My body has reacted to the increased workload after my time away from the pitch. It's frustrating, but I need this short break now to come back at full strength."
Analysis: Goretzka had been pushing to make his Aston Villa debut against Hull City, but his lack of preseason has made the increased training load difficult to manage and delayed his return. The midfielder will now be given additional recovery time through the international break before attempting to resume his integration. Once available, he should provide further competition alongside Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes in central midfield, particularly with Amadou Onana sidelined by a long-term knee injury.
Could make bench Saturday
Goretzka (fitness) could make the bench for Saturday's clash against Hull City, according to coach Unai Emery, per Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic. "He needs more sessions to get his fitness and the level we want. But he's good and hopefully, maybe Saturday after three days he should be available to be in the squad, on the bench."
Analysis: Goretzka had previously been in contention to debut against Arsenal after arriving at Villa in good physical condition, and this updated timeline now points to a potential first appearance against Hull City instead. His arrival gives manager Unai Emery another midfield option alongside Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes following Amadou Onana's long term knee injury.
Could make Villa debut
Goretzka could make his Aston Villa debut in Monday's Premier League clash against Arsenal after arriving at the club in good physical condition, according to coach Unai Emery, per Birmingham Live. "He arrived fit, and he is training well. Hopefully, on Monday, he can be on the field."
Analysis: Goretzka appears ready for immediate involvement after arriving at Villa in good physical condition and training well with the group. His addition also gives manager Unai Emery another option in midfield following Amadou Onana's long-term injury, alongside Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes. Goretzka is in contention to make his debut against Arsenal on Monday, though it remains unclear whether he will start or initially feature off the bench.
Joins Aston Villa
Goretzka has joined Aston Villa on a free transfer following the end of his time with Bayern Munich, the club announced.
Analysis: Goretzka arrives at Villa with considerable experience after making more than 500 career appearances and winning seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during his time with Bayern. The 73-cap Germany international adds another proven option to a central midfield already featuring Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes. Goretzka should compete for regular starts while giving Villa greater depth and flexibility in the middle of the park.
Departs Bayern as free agent
Goretzka is currently a free agent after his contract with Bayern Munich expired on June 30, with no destination yet confirmed.
Analysis: Bayern announced back in January that Goretzka's contract would not be renewed, ending an eight-year stint that included seven Bundesliga titles, a Champions League triumph, and a key role in the club's 2020 sextuple. He fell down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany this season but returned to a regular role late on due to injuries to Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joao Palhinha, finishing the campaign with 48 appearances, five goals, and five assists. As of now he remains unattached, and it is still unclear which club, if any, will meet his terms.
Two shots from bench
Goretzka registered two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 (5-4) penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.
Analysis: Goretzka would appear from the bench for Germany on Monday and would play 75 minutes due to the match going to extra time. He would record a cross, a chance created and two crosses, as Germany was not able to find the winner. Goretzka ends the World Cup without earning a single start in favor of Felix Nmecha, playing only 97 minutes at the 2026 World Cup.
Another World Cup appearance
Goretzka is set for another World Cup with Germany and will likely be a starter in the midfield.
Analysis: Goretzka is gearing up for his fourth World Cup this summer, as the midfielder joins Germany and is set to play a key role. The more defensively minded midfielder will likely occupy a starting role in that portion of the midfield, set to start alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic. As a veteran presence in a relatively young squad, he will be tasked with keeping a cool head in the midfield, seeing the ball at his feet to start most attacks from the back. After a successful season with Bayern Munich that saw him earn five goals and three assists in 31 league appearances (25 starts), he should see a few chances to notch a goal contribution, although he will mainly be the anchor in their midfield.
Assists with lone chance created
Goretzka had an assist with his lone chance created while taking two off target shots during Saturday's 5-1 win over Koln.
Analysis: Goretzka set up Harry Kane in the 69th minute assisting Bayern's fourth goal. The midfielder ends the season with 25 starts across 31 appearances while combining for eight goal involvements.
Scores brace
Goretzka scored two goals to go with six shots (three on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus FC Heidenheim.
Analysis: Goretzka scored a pair of goals during Saturday's draw. The midfielder got the starting in an attacking role and did well, scoring twice and creating a chance. It was a rotated squad with eyes on Champions League action, but Goretzka still had the quality to be a difference-maker, even if the match ended in a draw.
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