Bayern bosses have decided: Goretzka must leave in the summer | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka’s contract expires next summer and his sporting status in Munich is fluctuating. Now a clear decision seems to have been made internally about his future.

The 30-year-old midfielder is currently back in the spotlight due to Joshua Kimmich’s persistent ankle problems. According to the Abendzeitung newspaper, however, the international’s departure in the summer is already a done deal – regardless of possible top performances in the coming weeks. Goretzka, who has repeatedly fought his way back into the starting eleven from a reserve role, is still on Bayern’s shortlist according to AZ information.

However, a premature departure in January has been ruled out. Neither the player nor coach Vincent Kompany nor the club management want to get involved in a winter deal. Instead, Goretzka is expected to help the record champions achieve their sporting goals in the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup in the second half of the season.

The main reason for the planned departure in the summer is of a financial nature. Goretzka is one of the top earners in the squad – money that will be earmarked elsewhere in the future. Players such as Dayot Upamecano and Serge Gnabry are about to extend their contracts, while young talents such as Tom Bischof and David Santos Daiber are also pushing their way into the team. Raphael Guerreiro, who can be deployed flexibly in the center, could also leave the club as his contract expires.

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen had previously denied speculation about a winter transfer. „We are also planning the second half of the season with Leon,“ he told t-online. Despite numerous interested parties, including Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona and Tottenham, the record champions did not want to let Goretzka leave in the middle of the season. The squad was too small, the need for experience too great.

Kimmich’s absence a big opportunity for Goretzka?

photo: IMAGO

According to the report, Goretzka himself was certainly open to a fresh start. The decisive factors were a clear role in the team and the 2026 World Cup. Under Kompany, he has mostly played a supporting role behind Kimmich and Pavlovic.

The current absence of Kimmich may now be the Bochum-born player’s last opportunity to make a lasting impression. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been regularly relying on the Bayern star since the autumn, but he has repeatedly emphasised that regular playing time with the club is crucial for him to be nominated. While the die is probably cast in Munich, Goretzka can now at least recommend himself for the upcoming World Cup.

However, a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer is the most likely scenario. Bayern do not want any half-measures and Goretzka is also likely to rethink his future. A move to Spain remains an option, with FC Barcelona already considered a possible destination in the past. Given the financially strained situation at the Catalans, the German international could be an interesting target.