The weeks of speculation surrounding Leon Goretzka’s sporting future have come to an end. After intensive talks and concrete interest from Spain, FC Bayern have now provided clarity. Sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed that the midfielder will finish the current season in Munich – but a new contract has been ruled out
Over the past few days, the poker game surrounding Leon Goretzka has come to a head. Atlético Madrid were intensely interested in the 30-year-old and were desperately looking for reinforcements for their central midfield. The FC Bayern professional was considered to be coach Diego Simeone’s preferred solution. Despite his contract expiring in Munich, the Spanish top club were reportedly prepared to pay up to five million euros in the winter
Christoph Freund has now also confirmed the dynamic nature of these talks: „Of course, this has been an issue in the last few days. There was a lot of momentum. There have been a number of talks with Leon and with everyone involved,“ explained the Bayern sporting director openly. The Munich team dealt intensively with the situation, especially as a winter sale would have at least brought in a transfer fee
In the end, however, the decision was not made in favour of a short-term departure. Freund made it clear that Goretzka himself was the deciding factor. „He feels very comfortable at the club. Leon will stay at FC Bayern. He has decided to stay here,“ explained the Austrian. The decisive factor was not only the sporting situation, but also the overall feeling within the team. „He senses the dynamism and energy in this team. He simply wants to be part of it,“ Freund continued
No new contract – decision to leave in the summer
As clear as the decision against a winter transfer was, the perspective beyond the season is now also clear. Christoph Freund confirmed that the collaboration between FC Bayern and Leon Goretzka will end after the current season. „We had very open and intensive talks and we have decided that Leon Goretzka’s time at FC Bayern will be over,“ the sporting director explained unequivocally
It is therefore clear that Goretzka will not receive a new contract at the German record champions and will leave the club on a free transfer in the summer. This clarity means planning security for both sides. FC Bayern can press ahead with squad planning for the coming season without the midfielder, while Goretzka knows early on that he can prepare for a new chapter
In sporting terms, the international’s role has already changed this season. Under Vincent Kompany, the competition in central midfield is fierce and other profiles are more in focus. Nevertheless, Goretzka will remain part of the team until the end of the season and should continue to make his contribution in the decisive phase
Clean cut instead of a hanging game
The openness with which both sides have communicated this decision is remarkable. Instead of a months-long hanging game, a clear roadmap has been defined. Goretzka will stay to finish the season with FC Bayern – and then start a new chapter
For the player himself, this should be a comfortable starting position. As a free agent with international experience and a great reputation, he will have numerous options in the summer. Atlético Madrid remain a candidate, as do other top European clubs looking for an experienced, physically strong midfielder
At FC Bayern, on the other hand, this marks the end of a chapter that has been characterized by ups and downs over the years. Goretzka fought his way back several times, won titles and was part of the team’s core for a long time. Now the club and player have mutually agreed to part ways
The message from Christoph Freund is clear: Leon Goretzka will continue to play in a Bayern shirt this season – but after that, they will part ways. Clear, transparent and without any background noise. It’s a clean solution for everyone involved.