Leon Goretzka was heavily linked with a move away from FC Bayern in the winter. Several top clubs showed interest in the midfielder – but the 31-year-old made a conscious decision to stay in Munich. As has now become known, national coach Julian Nagelsmann also played an important role in this decision
In January, Goretzka was seen as a possible sales candidate for the German record champions. There was concrete interest from abroad in particular. In addition to Arsenal FC, Atlético Madrid in particular are said to have seriously courted the German international
The Spaniards even held talks with the player and FC Bayern about a possible transfer, but in the end it did not materialize
Goretzka turned down several clubs
Instead, the midfielder decided to play out the current season at FC Bayern
This decision surprised many observers, as Goretzka is no longer an undisputed regular under coach Vincent Kompany and currently often has to settle for a role as a rotation player
For this very reason, many experts considered a transfer in the winter to be a realistic option
As Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has now revealed in an interview with Sky, national coach Julian Nagelsmann also played a role in the midfielder’s decision. „That was also a reason for Leon’s decision as to whether he would leave in the winter or not,“ explained Eberl ahead of the Bundesliga clash against Borussia M’Gladbach
According to the report, Goretzka has apparently received signals from the national team that his chances of playing in the World Cup remain intact even without a regular place at FC Bayern
Good World Cup chances despite Bayern role
Eberl referred to Nagelsmann’s much-noticed interview in kicker, in which the national coach made it clear that Goretzka continues to play an important role in his plans. „If I read the interview, Leon has a very good chance,“ explained Eberl
Nagelsmann had previously hinted that Goretzka could be part of Germany’s World Cup squad despite his current situation at FC Bayern
At FC Bayern, Goretzka has recently lost his regular place in central midfield to Aleksandar Pavlovic, the 21-year-old currently one of the most important players in Vincent Kompany’s system
Nevertheless, Goretzka remains an important part of the Bayern squad – and apparently still a candidate for the German national team
The decision to stay in Munich this winter could therefore prove to be a strategically wise move for the veteran. If he comes back into focus in the coming months, his position in the World Cup race could also be further strengthened.