Despite Bayern release: Leon Goretzka rejects winter transfer | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka is unlikely to leave FC Bayern in the home straight of the winter transfer window. Despite intensive efforts by Atlético Madrid, the midfielder has decided against a short-term move and wants to play out the current season in Munich

The poker game surrounding Leon Goretzka has intensified noticeably in recent days. Atlético Madrid have made intensive efforts to sign the 30-year-old and were even prepared to pay a transfer fee of up to five million euros in the winter – even though the international’s contract expires in the summer and he would then be available on a free transfer. Nevertheless, the last-minute transfer will not happen

As Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg reported, Goretzka has rejected the Spaniards‘ offer. „It’s almost certain that he will reject Atlético’s offer and stay at FC Bayern until the end of the season, unless something extraordinary happens,“ Plettenberg explained on Thursday evening. This clearly reinforces the signs that the midfielder will not end his time at Bayern in the middle of the season

According to Sky, there were further talks between all parties involved on Thursday. Particularly noteworthy: FC Bayern would have been prepared in principle to let Goretzka leave in the winter. From a sporting point of view, no obstacles would have been put in the player’s way, also in order to generate at least a small transfer fee. However, the decision was ultimately made by the player himself

Focus on Bayern – farewell only in the summer

photo: IMAGO

Goretzka wants to bring the current season at the German record champions to a successful conclusion. According to information from Sky, the 30-year-old is not planning to start a new chapter until the summer of 2026, when his contract with FC Bayern expires. Staying at Säbener Straße beyond this point is considered to be effectively ruled out

This stance is in line with the player’s public statements in recent weeks. Goretzka had stressed that he wanted to keep all options open, but at the same time did not want to make a quick decision. A winter transfer would have offered new sporting attractions, but would also have meant leaving an ongoing project in the middle of the season. This is precisely what the midfielder apparently wanted to avoid

For FC Bayern, this decision brings clarity in the short term. Goretzka will remain part of the squad until the end of the season and can continue to play a role in the decisive phase – both nationally and internationally. At the same time, both sides know that the collaboration will end in the summer

Many options as a free agent

Goretzka is ideally positioned for the time after FC Bayern. As a free agent, he will have numerous options after the 2026 World Cup. In addition to Atlético Madrid, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur are also being touted as potential suitors. An experienced, physically strong midfielder without a transfer fee is an attractive package, especially for top international clubs

For Goretzka himself, the decision against Atlético in the winter does not mean giving up, but rather postponing. The options remain, possibly even in greater numbers. Until then, however, the focus is clearly on FC Bayern