FC Bayern are facing a tricky personnel decision in midfield. A winter departure of Leon Goretzka, who has aroused the interest of Atlético Madrid, is under discussion. Dietmar Hamann warns of the consequences.
The former international made a clear statement on Sky about the 30-year-old’s situation. Munich are „relatively thin in the center“, Hamann pointed out. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are regarded as established forces, Tom Bischof as a great talent – but the squad currently offers hardly any more options in defensive midfield. Against this background, the question arises: Can Bayern really afford a Goretzka departure?
According to information from Marca, Atlético Madrid are currently offering around two to three million euros for Goretzka, whose contract expires in the summer. The midfielder himself is open to a move. For Atlético, it’s about a permanent transfer, not a loan model – and FC Bayern is willing to talk. Ultimately, the player’s attitude will be decisive, as Sky reports.
Coach Vincent Kompany emphasized after the Champions League win at PSV Eindhoven that internal talks are planned for this morning: „I know that I have to get up tomorrow morning and then have a conversation with Max [Eberl] and Christoph [Freund] at some point to discuss the squad.“ The Belgian made it clear: „It’s about what’s right for Leon, FC Bayern and the team.“
Hamann: Goretzka would fit in „very well“ at Atlético
For Dietmar Hamann, a move to Madrid would be perfectly understandable. The TV pundit sees the midfielder in good hands at Atlético: Goretzka would „fit in very well there“, he explained, pointing to the Spanish club’s international appeal: „Atlético Madrid is one of the very top European clubs, even though they missed out on a direct place in the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday (Wednesday) and have to go through to the play-offs.“
With regard to Goretzka’s prospects in the DFB team, Hamann does not see any disadvantages in a move abroad: „A move to Madrid would certainly not harm Goretzka’s chances at the World Cup. I’m a big fan of the national team having players who play abroad at tournaments.“
Although CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen had ruled out a winter departure just a few weeks ago and emphasized that Goretzka’s experience was needed for the second half of the season, the trust of the sporting management seems limited: Goretzka was initially on the bench against Wolfsburg despite Kimmich’s absence. Kompany preferred to rely on Pavlovic and the 20-year-old Bischof.
Whether FC Bayern will still let Goretzka go despite all the concerns is likely to be decided soon. The deadline day on 2 February is approaching and talks are ongoing.