Barcelona monitor 30-year-old Bayern Munich star as potential free-agent signing next summer – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have not been in the best financial condition to compete for the better part of the last decade. Gone are the days when the club could sign the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, and Antoine Griezmann for mind-boggling fees.

Since the turn of the decade, the Catalan club has had to pick and choose where to put its money. This, in turn, has made them one of the most active users of the free-agent market, which has served them quite well.

The likes of Eric Garcia, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez, and Ilkay Gündogan all arrived at the club on free transfers and went on to become major sporting or economic successes for Barcelona.

Now, according to Sky Sport Germany (via Mundo Deportivo), Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is on Barcelona’s radar as a potential free-agent acquisition next summer.

The 30-year-old German’s contract with Bayern expires at the end of this season, and the report suggests that he is already exploring future destinations due to a strained relationship with his current club’s management.

Goretzka’s interest in Barcelona is closely tied to Hansi Flick, the manager under whom he thrived at Bayern Munich, winning several titles while playing a key role.

Mundo Deportivo reported at the end of December that the midfielder had already reached out to Flick’s entourage to signal his availability once he becomes a free agent.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

The report from Sky Sport Germany adds that while no final decision has been made, Barcelona are closely monitoring Goretzka’s situation, with Napoli also reportedly interested.

Goretzka is a very different profile from the existing midfielders at Barcelona. He is much more physical and can be used to close out games. However, it does not make sense for the Catalan club to invest in him.

It remains to be seen whether Deco & co. push to sign the German in the upcoming summer transfer window. It is not the route Barcelona should take, but let us wait and see what the decision-makers decide.