Goretzka sale in winter? Bayern makes decision | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka has been heavily linked with a premature departure from FC Bayern in recent weeks. Numerous top European clubs are said to have been interested in the 30-year-old DFB international. However, a transfer during the winter break is almost impossible as things stand

In sporting terms, Goretzka’s role at the German record champions is clearly defined. Under head coach Vincent Kompany, the midfielder is no longer part of the regular squad. In the big games, especially in the Champions League, the Belgian prefers to rely on the duo of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Goretzka usually has to make do with short appearances or starting eleven appearances in less controversial Bundesliga matches

Bayern want to keep squad together in winter

photo: IMAGO

Nevertheless, the rumour mill had recently heated up considerably, with clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Galatasaray Istanbul, SSC Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus Turin being touted as possible suitors. A winter transfer seemed at least theoretically possible – also because Goretzka’s contract with FC Bayern is due to expire

However, as transfer insider Fabrizio Romano now reports, the blockade does not lie with the player, but with the club. Those responsible at Säbener Straße have therefore decided not to sell Goretzka in the winter. The already sparse squad is to be kept together in order to avoid taking unnecessary risks in the decisive phase of the season. A premature departure of Goretzka is therefore not an issue internally

Summer 2026 as a likely departure

However, this decision does little to change the midfielder’s long-term prospects. There have been no talks about a contract extension so far and Bayern have yet to make a corresponding offer. There are increasing signs that the record champions are deliberately allowing his contract to expire

This would mean that Goretzka would be on the market for free in the summer of 2026 – a scenario that is likely to significantly increase the list of interested parties once again. The player himself is reportedly toying with a move to the Spanish La Liga, in particular to FC Barcelona. One thing is clear: although the winter will bring calm to the personnel issue, the fundamental separation in the summer remains a realistic scenario.