His sporting role is shrinking, the rumours are getting louder: there are increasing signs that Leon Goretzka’s time at FC Bayern is coming to an end. Galatasaray Istanbul in particular is now sensing a big opportunity
The signs are increasingly pointing to a farewell at FC Bayern. Leon Goretzka is no longer playing a major sporting role, a contract extension is not an issue – and the list of interested parties is growing. The 30-year-old and the German record champions are likely to part ways in the summer of 2026 at the latest. But now an early departure in the winter is also coming back into focus
As Turkish transfer insider Ekrem Konur reports, a real poker game is brewing around Goretzka. Galatasaray Istanbul in particular has high hopes of signing the midfielder as early as January. There is plenty of competition: in addition to Fenerbahce Istanbul, two heavyweights from Serie A, Juventus Turin and SSC Napoli, are also said to be specifically interested. Furthermore, several Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation – with the clear aim of making a move this winter
Galatasaray is banking on the Sané factor
One detail that could play into Galatasaray’s hands is particularly exciting. According to Konur, those responsible in Istanbul see ex-Bayern star Leroy Sané as a possible trump card in the bid for Goretzka. The two internationals have a close relationship, they know each other from their years together in Munich and continue to play together for the German national team
Sané is also the perfect argument for Galatasaray: his move to Turkey is seen as proof that playing outside the top five leagues does not automatically mean the end of his DFB career. It is precisely this point that could play a decisive role for Goretzka with a view to the 2026 World Cup. As a reserve at FC Bayern, he faces the prospect of losing his place in the squad – regular match practice would be a strong counter-argument
Bayern hesitate – but the calculation is clear
Despite the increasing rumours, a winter transfer is by no means a done deal. Goretzka himself has always ruled out a premature departure from Munich. FC Bayern are also officially cautious. According to SPORT1, Munich are not planning any sales in January in order to avoid further thinning out the already thin squad
At the same time, the economic calculation is clear. A departure in the winter would immediately save the record champions several million euros in salary – according to estimates, around seven to eight million euros by the end of the season. In addition, a transfer fee would be paid that would no longer come close to previous market values, but would still be welcome. If, on the other hand, the club waits until the summer of 2026, there is the threat of a transfer-free departure
Säbener Straße are aware of this dilemma. Should Goretzka actively push for a transfer and a reasonable offer is put on the table, both in sporting and financial terms, talks are unlikely to be closed. Especially as Vincent Kompany is already relying on younger alternatives in central midfield in the shape of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof.