Leon Goretzka is apparently facing a surprising decision at FC Bayern Munich. According to the latest information, the midfielder could leave the record champions in the coming days.
According to exclusive information from Sky, Atlético Madrid want to sign Leon Goretzka immediately. The 30-year-old is the preferred solution of coach Diego Simeone and sporting director Mateu Alemany to fill the gap in midfield following the departure of Conor Gallagher. Talks between Goretzka and the Spaniards have already taken place today. According to the report, there are two options: a quick move to Madrid or staying at FC Bayern until the summer. A decision is expected to be made within the next 24 hours.
It had previously been reported that Atlético were looking closely at the international. Initially, there were many indications that Goretzka would not move until the summer. Milan are also interested, but according to BILD are planning a transfer without a transfer fee – in contrast to Atlético, who want to make a move in January and are prepared to pay a transfer fee.
Market value available – no sporting prospects
Despite his minor role in Munich, Goretzka is still a sought-after midfielder in Europe. Although he hardly gets any regular playing time under Vincent Kompany, numerous clubs still see added sporting value in him. At FC Bayern, other names are currently playing a bigger role: in addition to Joshua Kimmich, the Munich club is focusing primarily on Aleksandar Pavlovic, while Tom Bischof is also expected to play a bigger role in the future. According to consistent media reports, a contract extension beyond 2026 is considered out of the question.
It has already become apparent in recent weeks that Goretzka is finding it increasingly difficult to play a formative role in Munich. Even in the 8:1 win over Wolfsburg, the Bochum native was initially on the bench – even though Kimmich was missing through injury. The coach opted for Pavlovic and Bischof instead.
Transfer fee, salary, investment: Bayern could benefit
A winter transfer would not only be manageable for FC Bayern in sporting terms, but also financially attractive. According to transfer insiders, the club could earn around 20 million euros. An additional argument: Goretzka is one of the top earners in the squad with an annual salary of around 17 million euros. A sale would therefore also relieve the salary structure.
According to information from BILD, the record champions are planning to reinvest any potential income directly. The focus is on Givairo Read from Feyenoord – a 19-year-old right-back who is seen as a promising reinforcement. The Munich club could therefore tackle two areas at once with the Goretzka transfer: generating income and investing in the future.
However, the final decision on a premature departure does not lie solely with Goretzka. Head coach Vincent Kompany must also give his veto. The Belgian has recently been cautious in public: „I have only spoken about PSV in the last 48 hours,“ he explained in response to questions and shifted the responsibility to the club’s management. „These decisions are not only made by the head coach,“ Kompany continued. „And then there are those at the top.“
While Atlético are working hard on a January transfer, it remains to be seen what FC Bayern will decide internally.