Leon Goretzka’s departure from FC Bayern is a done deal. After eight years in Munich, their time together will come to an end in the summer when the midfielder’s contract expires. While Goretzka still wants to play the second half of the season in a Bayern shirt, talks about his sporting future are already underway in the background. And these appear to be much more intensive than previously assumed
As the English portal TEAMtalk reports, Goretzka’s advisors are currently in advanced talks with a whole host of top international clubs. According to the report, contacts have been made with „more than half a dozen Premier League clubs“ in recent weeks, making the German international one of the most sought-after free agents on the market
Premier League at the center of talks
The list of English interested parties reads like a who’s who of top European soccer. According to the report, Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, among others, are said to have held talks. Arsenal, where Goretzka is seen as an immediate reinforcement for the central midfield, are particularly hot at the moment
It comes as no surprise that the focus is on England. The Premier League offers the best sporting and financial conditions for a player of Goretzka’s age. At 31, the midfielder may no longer be at the start of his career, but he has enormous international experience, leadership qualities and a physical presence. It is precisely this profile that is in demand on the island – especially without a transfer fee
It is interesting to note that, according to TEAMtalk, several clubs are generally positive about the talks. However, a final decision has not yet been made. Goretzka and those close to him apparently want to take their time to find the right sporting project for him
Southern Europe also remains an option
In addition to England, there are also serious interested parties on the European mainland. According to the report, AC Milan, Olympique Marseille and Atlético Madrid are monitoring the situation very closely. Atlético in particular has been considered a possible candidate for months. There had already been loose talks in the winter, but a premature departure was out of the question for Goretzka
The midfielder himself had made it clear early on that he wanted to bring his time at FC Bayern to a professional end. A new chapter is not due to begin until the summer. This stance was also publicly confirmed by the Munich management, who carried out the separation transparently and without any background noise
In sporting terms, things have been anything but smooth sailing for Goretzka since the announcement that he would be leaving Bayern at the end of the season. Against HSV and most recently against Hoffenheim, the DFB star sat on the bench for 90 minutes each time and did not get any playing time at all. According to rumours, the veteran is even threatened with the stands in the cup clash against E Leipzig.