Kompany reveals: Bayern wanted to sell Goretzka as early as 2024 | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka will leave FC Bayern next summer, that is now certain. A separation was already being considered much earlier. Coach Vincent Kompany has now publicly admitted that the midfielder should already be given the go-ahead for a transfer in the summer of 2024.

After sporting director Christoph Freund officially announced that Goretzka will finish the current season with the Munich club, Kompany made it clear what the situation was like when he took office.

„The first time I communicated with Leon was to tell him that he could choose a new club in my first summer. That was honest and tough,“ said the Bayern coach.

This statement shows that what was reported at the time was correct: Goretzka was no longer a permanent fixture last summer. Despite his sporting qualities, the international was set to leave the club, but made a conscious decision not to in the end.

The situation changed again after the end of the transfer window. „But after the transfer window, we communicated again and said: you stayed, then we’ll be fair and honest. And he played his way back into the team. That was one of the positive stories I told you about last year,“ said Kompany.

Goretzka can leave Bayern on a free transfer

Sporting director Christoph Freund had previously announced that Goretzka would not be leaving Bayern in the winter: „Leon feels very comfortable at this club and in this team. He has decided to stay here,“ said the Austrian ahead of the away game at Hamburger SV. At the same time, however, Freund made it clear that this decision only applies to the second half of the season: „His time at FC Bayern will be over in the summer,“ he emphasized unequivocally.

Internally, all parties involved had held intensive talks in recent weeks, with Freund explaining: „Due to this dynamic in recent weeks, we have intensified the talks and talked openly about how things will continue for him in the summer.“

photo: IMAGO

Kompany particularly highlighted Goretzka’s professional handling of the situation. „He has always carried on in training, and that has also strengthened our relationship. I’m looking forward to the moments we will still experience together,“ said the Belgian. The midfielder’s motivation remains high, even though his departure is a foregone conclusion.

The transfer rumours had picked up speed again. Atlético Madrid made intensive efforts to sign Goretzka, who was seen as their preferred solution for central midfield. In the end, however, a transfer did not materialise. Goretzka himself had never ruled out a move abroad. „I find it exciting to go abroad in my career,“ he said, explaining that such a move could also be important for his personal development. A new chapter will now begin for Goretzka in the summer.