Atlético Madrid sense a market opportunity with Leon Goretzka. The Bayern star’s contract expires, his sporting prospects in Munich are unclear – and Europe’s top clubs are already positioning themselves
FC Bayern and Leon Goretzka are heading ever more clearly towards a separation. While Munich are focusing on a new midfield centre-back, Atlético Madrid are monitoring the 30-year-old’s situation very closely – and could position themselves in the summer , according to the Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo
Atlético see Goretzka as a classic market opportunity: an internationally experienced player whose contract with the German record champions expires at the end of the season and whose role has become increasingly less important under coach Vincent Kompany. For a club like Atlético, who are regularly on the lookout for experienced, physically strong and tactically disciplined players, this profile is an almost ideal fit
Goretzka is regarded in Spain as a midfielder with exactly the qualities that Diego Simeone values: robust in tackles, strong with his head, a strong runner and with the ability to make an impact both defensively and offensively. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Bochum-born player was already on the Rojiblancos‘ agenda at an earlier stage. A transfer did not materialize at the time, but the interest never seems to have completely died out
Europe-wide poker for the Bayern professional
In Munich, the situation for Goretzka has changed noticeably. Under Kompany, he is no longer a starter but has to be content with a supporting role. Joshua Kimmich is undisputed in the center, Aleksandar Pavlovic is seen as a strategic fixture for the future. In addition, Tom Bischof is another talent who is planned for the medium term. For Goretzka, there is still time on call
It is no secret that he is concerned about this development. His recent social media campaign in particular caused a stir when he deleted almost all Bayern-related photos from his Instagram account. In Spain, this move is being interpreted as a clear signal – a sign that the international player is already thinking about leaving
An open conflict between the player and the club has not been confirmed, but according to Mundo Deportivo, the relationship is considered tense. Goretzka, once a leading player and top performer, suddenly finds himself in a much smaller role. This is a delicate situation for a player with World Cup ambitions
However, Atlético are far from alone. Juventus Turin and SSC Napoli are also said to be keeping a close eye on the situation. There are also several Premier League clubs, which are also considered serious options due to their financial possibilities. Goretzka’s experience at the highest level is not the only argument in his favour, but also the prospect of a transfer on a free transfer.