Leon Goretzka’s departure from FC Bayern is taking on ever more concrete form. The 30-year-old has lost his regular place under Vincent Kompany, those responsible are showing no ambition to extend his contract – and now Galatasaray Istanbul is coming into the picture as a club ready to get serious in the winter
Goretzka’s contract expires in just under six months. While other players such as Dayot Upamecano and Serge Gnabry are actively being discussed about future models, there is complete radio silence regarding Goretzka. A clear sign: Bayern are no longer planning with him. Kompany is relying on the young axis of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof in the center alongside midfield leader Joshua Kimmich
Financially, a departure would also make sense. With an estimated annual salary of 17 million euros, Goretzka is one of the top earners, but only plays a minor role under Kompany. He has often been left out of important games and has only played 60 minutes in the Champions League this season
Galatasaray Istanbul are following this development closely. According to the Turkish portal Fanatik, the traditional club are ready to make serious moves this time. The Lions are said to be offering up to ten million euros for a winter transfer. It would not be the first time that Galatasaray have come knocking – but this time the player’s situation could be a decisive factor in the deal
World Cup ticket is not certain: Will Goretzka fold?
In the past, Goretzka has always emphasized that he wants to fight for his place in Munich, but the reality is different: as a supplementary player, he is at risk of losing his World Cup ticket. Julian Nagelsmann has several central options in Pavlovic, Angelo Stiller and Felix Nmecha, who are set at their clubs – a strong argument against a bench-pressing Goretzka
A transfer could mitigate this risk. He would immediately become a central figure in Istanbul, where he would also meet familiar faces: national team colleague Leroy Sané and former DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan. Even if the Turkish Süper Lig is not one of the top leagues in Europe, Galatasaray would be a sporting and atmospheric environment for Goretzka in which he could rebuild himself – with a regular rhythm and leadership role. The example of Sané also shows that you can also play a role in the DFB team as a Turkish legionnaire
Bayern would hardly put any obstacles in Goretzka’s way if they made a suitable offer. The 2026 World Cup could become a decisive factor. If he remains a substitute in Munich, he will almost certainly lose his place in the DFB squad. If he switches, he will create a new stage for himself.
