Aston Villa have paid 'very big signing-on fee', new star is 'exactly what they need' - Keith Wyness
Aston Villa's move to sign former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka serves as the perfect addition to their squad right now.
That is according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the experienced German can be a game-changer for his new team.
The Villans confirmed the arrival of the 31-year-old earlier this week, having fought off competition from several of Europe's top clubs in order to land him on a free transfer.
Wyness warned that Unai Emery's side will have paid a "very big" signing-on fee to secure the veteran's services, despite a transfer fee not being needed as part of the deal.
Nevertheless, he believes that Goretzka can be the missing piece of the puzzle for his former club, and pointed out his substantial experience in the Champions League.
The former Schalke man has spent his entire career in the Bundesliga, amassing over 325 appearances in the German top flight, but will now test himself outside his homeland for the first time.
Leon Goretzka 'exactly' what Aston Villa need
Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Goretzka's blend of "experience" and "quality" will make him an ideal fit for Emery's squad.
The Villans are gearing up for their return to the Champions League, but saw their Premier League campaign get off to a difficult start thanks to a heavy defeat at Brighton.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why Goretzka is "exactly what they need" right now to help steady the ship.
"In these sort of situations, when there's no fee involved, believe me, a large portion of that potential fee will move into the player's pocket," he said.
"There'll have been a very big signing on fee. I think there'll be decent wages as well. And, you know, it makes sense though for all parties involved still at his age in particular.
"Having no fee to amortise also helps Villa in terms of their SCR situation. So overall, it does make sense, and it's probably as good as you can get in terms of Villa right now.
"He's Champions League proven, he's exactly what they need right now in terms of experience and quality. I don't think the alarm bells are really there for Villa right now.
"They'll be able to come back once this window is closed with a few more signings and consolidate."
Aston Villa door opens to 'free' Jack Grealish transfer
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson recently told Football Insider that he feels his former club would give Jack Grealish a "free transfer" if they could avoid continuing to pay money to him.
Aston Villa have been heavily linked with a move for their former star, but Borson pointed out that any swoop would have to be on a permanent deal, as they have already used up their full quota of domestic loans.
Everton and Sunderland have also been linked with a move for the winger, with City hoping to "subsidise" an exit as much as possible.
Villa are also strong admirers of their former academy graduate, but it may be difficult for them to get a move for him over the line.