Goretzka replacement? Bayern tracking Spanish star | OneFootball

FC Bayern seems to have found reinforcements for the central midfield in Spain. According to current reports, the German record champions are interested in Pablo Barrios from Atlético Madrid.

The name of the 22-year-old Spaniard already appeared in 2024 at Säbener Straße. Even then, it was said that the Munich team had the central midfielder in their sights. In the summer of 2025, the rumor was picked up again - Barrios has since been firmly on the watchlist of Bayern scouts.

The portal Fijaches now reports that Bayern is "watching the development of the Spanish national player very closely". Accordingly, the dynamic right-footed player fits perfectly into the profile of the record champions. His pressing strength, tactical discipline, and the ability to drive the game from the back make him interesting for international top clubs.

According to the report, FCB is considering a concrete approach to Barrios in the summer of 2026.

Contract until 2030 – Release clause a hurdle

Photo: IMAGO | Photo: IMAGO,

However, the chances of a transfer are currently rather poor. Although Leon Goretzka's contract with FC Bayern expires at the end of the season, there is no urgent need for action in the center. Joshua Kimmich has extended his contract in the long term, and with Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof, they already have two top talents.

Barrios himself is tied to Atlético Madrid in the long term. His contract in the Spanish capital runs until 2030. The current market value of the midfielder is estimated at 55 million euros - but Atlético is said to be open to discussions only from a sum of around 80 million euros. This clearly puts the Madrilenians in control.

For Bayern, such a transfer would be a significant investment, especially since the Munich team has recently embarked on a cost-cutting course. Therefore, they will likely carefully weigh whether such an expensive deal makes sense in the current squad structure.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.