The future of Leon Goretzka at FC Bayern remains one of the big unresolved issues in the current transfer window. While the midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season, speculation about a possible departure is intensifying. Those responsible at FC Bayern have commented on the latest developments
Leon Goretzka has been wearing the FC Bayern shirt for more than seven years now. During this time, the 30-year-old has not always been without controversy and has been on the internal sales list several times, but has always fought his way back. The international has played 292 competitive matches for the German record champions so far, making 18 appearances and scoring one goal in the current Bundesliga season. He remains a factor in sporting terms, but his contractual situation is clear: his contract expires in the summer
Goretzka himself made it clear that this new freedom keeps him busy. In an interview with DIE ZEIT, he openly stated: „I’m independent. I enjoy that.“ At the same time, he let it be known that a move abroad certainly appeals to him. „I find it exciting to go abroad in the course of my career. There are a lot of people who think that I would fit in very well in England with my type of soccer,“ said the midfielder. However, a decision has not yet been made. Rather, he wants to „listen to everything and weigh it up carefully“
It is worth noting that Goretzka is not focusing exclusively on sporting aspects. Personal reasons also play a role for him. „A step out of my comfort zone would also be a step for my personal development,“ the international continued, emphasising that „getting to know something new“ would also enrich his life. In the past, he has consciously decided against a move – but the thought of a new chapter is now more present than ever
Atlético rumors: Freund and Eberl remain calm
Should Goretzka decide to leave, it could be even sooner. As reported by Sky, Atlético Madrid are considered to be a concrete interested party. The Spaniards are looking for a replacement in central midfield following the transfer of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur. The winter transfer window is still open until Monday, 2 February, which is fuelling speculation about a possible lightning switch
Coach Vincent Kompany has deliberately kept a low profile recently, pointing out that „there are discussions about every single situation“ and that such decisions are „not only made by head coaches“. Christoph Freund has now also spoken out. When asked whether the Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven might have been Goretzka’s last appearance in a Bayern shirt, the sporting director was reserved but clear in his response
„No, I don’t think so. Leon is a very important player for us. He has played many games for us. His contract expires in the summer. There is no final decision yet. Of course, the transfer window closes on Monday. You can never completely rule out anything in soccer, but at the moment he is an important player for us and we are happy about that,“ Freund said on Sky Sport Austria before the game
Max Eberl also commented on Goretzka after the game and emphasised that it was completely normal for the player to be considering a move: „Yes, that’s legitimate. His contract expires in the summer. No decisions have been made yet. Accordingly, you have to think about the future in his place because you don’t know what will happen next. That’s why everything is fine for me.“ The 52-year-old also emphasised that no club had yet contacted Bayern
These statements underline the current mixed situation at FC Bayern. Goretzka is still valued in sporting terms, while those responsible are forced to keep an eye on the economic and strategic aspects of his open contract situation. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder will leave on a free transfer in the summer or move in the winter after all.