Bayer Leverkusen interested in signing Leon Goretzka on a free transfer in the summer | OneFootball

Sport Bild reports that Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka in the summer. 

The 30-year-old has already announced that he will leave the Bundesliga leaders in the summer when his contract expires. 

Leverkusen see Goretzka as a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka, who departed the club last summer, in terms of his leadership off the pitch. A move to another Bundesliga side could help the midfielder, who may have been unfairly sidelined at the Allianz Arena and still has the ability to contribute at a high level.

However, the move is complicated to realise. Goretzka is on a high salary in Munich, and this is something that die Werkself will struggle to afford. 

On top of this, the player himself is leaning towards a move to England and has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United from the Premier League, alongside clubs from Spain and Italy too.

Leverkusen’s midfield options:

From a stylistic point of view, Aleix Garcia is the natural replacement for Xhaka. When it comes to a player who has won a lot and has vast experience, there isn’t a player who has been able to fill in the void since the Swiss moved to Sunderland. 

Leverkusen’s current midfield options are Garcia, Robert Andrich, Equi Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios and Ibrahim Maza. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan