Where will Leon Goretzka play next season? While speculation continues about his next station, his home club VfL Bochum is already dreaming of a return for the international – albeit not immediately
After eight years at FC Bayern, Leon Goretzka will leave the German record champions in the summer. It is still unclear where the 31-year-old will be heading, with AC Milan and Atlético Madrid among those recently mentioned as possible destinations
However, an immediate return to his youth club VfL Bochum is not on the cards. Nevertheless, the personnel issue is keeping those responsible at Castroper Straße busy
In an interview with Sport BILD, VfL managing director Ilja Kaenzig made it clear that Bochum are still dreaming of a comeback for the international
Bochum not giving up hope
„Leon has made a lot of people proud in Bochum. He will now play at the highest level again before hopefully coming back. That is our great wish and hopefully his too,“ explained Kaenzig
VfL apparently already have a rough timetable in mind: „When the Ruhrstadion has been completely renovated, that would be a good time,“ said the managing director with a laugh
The renovation of the tradition-steeped stadium is currently scheduled to be completed by 2029, by which time Goretzka will be 34 years old and could be approaching the end of his career
Kaenzig is already looking further ahead: „We’ll see how long his next contract lasts, after which he might sign his last one at Castroper Straße.“
The connection to Bochum has never been broken
The emotional bond between Goretzka and VfL is considered exceptional anyway
The midfielder came through all of the club’s youth teams between 2001 and 2013, where he also made the leap to the professional ranks. To this day, Goretzka regularly pays tribute to his home club
Just a few weeks ago, he made Bayern fans smile when the Herbert Grönemeyer classic „Bochum“ echoed through the arena during the warm-up before the home match against 1. FC Köln
Goretzka was also there live during VfL’s dramatic relegation against Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2024 and cheered on the fans in the stands in his Bochum jersey
A big task awaits before that
However, the 31-year-old’s focus is currently on the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico
Even though Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic have been ahead in central midfield for the German national team of late, Goretzka is hoping for his chance at the tournament
For the Bochum-born player, it could be the last opportunity to win the biggest title of his career. Although he was already part of the national team at the 2014 World Cup triumph, he missed the tournament due to injury
Twelve years later, this dream could yet come true
And perhaps, after a few more years at the highest level, his path will actually lead him back to where it all began: VfL Bochum.