Aston Villa Eye Bundesliga Star Julian Brandt on Free Transfer

Villa manager Unai Emery looks to bolster midfield creativity with experienced German international

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:20am

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Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer this summer. The 29-year-old German international has decided not to renew his contract with the Bundesliga club, making him an attractive target for several top European clubs including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan. Villa manager Unai Emery sees Brandt as a player who could enhance the team's creativity and attacking play, particularly against deep-sitting defenses.

Why it matters

Signing a player of Brandt's caliber on a free transfer would be a major coup for Aston Villa as they continue to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League and European competitions. His technical ability, vision, and experience could provide the extra creative spark the team has occasionally lacked, helping Villa take the next step in their development under Emery's leadership.

The details

According to reports, Brandt 'will not renew with Borussia Dortmund and will leave the club at the end of the season.' This has put several top European clubs on alert, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan all monitoring the situation. For Aston Villa, the opportunity to sign Brandt without a transfer fee presents a compelling proposition as they look to strengthen their midfield options.

  • Brandt's contract with Borussia Dortmund expires at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The players

Julian Brandt

A 29-year-old German international midfielder who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Unai Emery

The manager of Aston Villa, who is looking to add Brandt to his squad to enhance the team's creativity and attacking play.

Barcelona

The Spanish club is reportedly interested in signing Brandt, attracted by his ability to 'move between the lines and generate offensive play.'

Atletico Madrid

The Spanish club is also monitoring Brandt's situation, with his versatility seen as a good fit for their offensive scheme.

Inter Milan

The Italian club is studying the possibility of signing Brandt to reinforce their midfield with additional creative options.

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What’s next

As the summer transfer window approaches, Brandt's future will become one of the most closely watched stories in European football. The coming months could develop into a competitive race for the 29-year-old playmaker, with several top clubs vying for his signature.

The takeaway

Signing Julian Brandt on a free transfer would be a significant statement of intent for Aston Villa, as they continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels of the Premier League and in European competitions. Brandt's technical quality, creativity, and experience could provide the extra dimension Villa's attack has occasionally lacked, helping the team take the next step under Unai Emery's leadership.