Leon Goretzka remains a sensitive topic at FC Bayern. Max Eberl has now commented on the midfielder’s future, leaving the door open for the international.
After the dominant 8-1 win over Wolfsburg, Bayern’s sporting director commented on Goretzka’s contract situation. According to Max Eberl, nothing has been decided yet: „You talk and then you see what comes out of it. Leon made a great substitute appearance with the assist and the goal.“ With these words, Eberl left a back door open for a possible extension – despite media reports to the contrary.
Goretzka was initially just a spectator against Wolfsburg. Although Joshua Kimmich, a key player, was missing through injury, the 30-year-old did not find a place in the starting eleven. Instead, coach Vincent Kompany opted for the young double-six of Pavlovic and Bischof – a clear sign of Bayern’s direction.
The veteran only came into the game with around half an hour to go, but then he made the most of his chance, scoring a late goal to close out the game and putting in a good performance in other respects too. But that is clearly not enough to win back his place in the team permanently. According to the Abendzeitung newspaper, Goretzka is still considered a candidate to leave in the summer.
The next generation is moving up in the center: Tom Bischof, just 20 years old, was allowed to start alongside Pavlovic and did a good job. The trust in the youth seems to be part of a clear plan in which established names are no longer automatically set.
Goretzka’s departure in winter is out of the question
Goretzka’s contract expires in the summer. His salary is one of the highest in the squad and is to be used elsewhere in the future, for players such as Upamecano or Gnabry. Other talents such as Santos Daiber are also coming into focus.
Despite this constellation, the club is still planning the second half of the season with the international. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen recently stressed that a transfer in January was not an issue – they need experience for the upcoming challenges. There are interested parties from England and Spain, but Goretzka will remain Bayern’s player until the end of the season.
Goretzka’s performance against Wolfsburg showed that he has not yet given up on himself. It remains to be seen whether that will be enough to convince Bayern of his long-term prospects. The decisive factor will probably be whether the midfielder’s sporting role changes fundamentally this year.