Lightning exit in winter? Bayern are open to selling Goretzka | OneFootball

A high-profile departure from FC Bayern could be on the cards before the end of the winter transfer window. Leon Goretzka is apparently on the verge of a landmark decision – and Atlético Madrid are positioning themselves

The signs surrounding Leon Goretzka are intensifying. As the Spanish newspaper AS reports, Atlético are looking at a Goretzka transfer in January. According to information from BILD, Atlético Madrid are showing concrete interest in the FC Bayern midfielder. Explosive: Mateu Alemany, sporting director of the Rojiblancos, travelled from Madrid to Munich late on Monday evening. Nothing is officially known about the purpose of the trip, but there is speculation in Bayern circles that talks with Goretzka and his advisors are on the agenda

It comes as no surprise that the Spaniards are now pushing the pace. Goretzka’s contract with the German record champions expires next summer. The 30-year-old has therefore been free to negotiate with other clubs since 1 January. Although there have been talks about an extension with FC Bayern, there has been no rapprochement or even a signal that he will stay. On the contrary: the trend for weeks has been pointing more towards a departure

Atlético are looking for an immediate replacement

There is an acute need for action at Atlético Madrid. Coach Diego Simeone’s club sold Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur for around €40 million in January and would like to fill the gap in central midfield as quickly as possible. Goretzka fits the Spaniards‘ requirements profile: internationally experienced, physically strong and tactically flexible

A winter transfer could even have advantages for FC Bayern. Should Goretzka leave the club in January, a transfer fee in the double-digit million euro range would be realistic. His current market value is estimated at around 15 million euros. In addition, Munich would save a considerable salary – rumoured to be up to 18 million euros per year

According to BILD, Bayern are generally open to a winter deal, but this would require the approval of coach Vincent Kompany. The Belgian regularly uses Goretzka, but mostly as a rotation player or in the event of personnel bottlenecks. The DFB star no longer plays a central role in long-term planning

Domino effect on the transfer market

photo: IMAGO

A possible Goretzka departure could have a direct impact on Bayern’s winter plans. With a fresh transfer budget, the Munich club would be more capable of acting. Givairo Read from Feyenoord Rotterdam is still at the top of the internal list. The 19-year-old right-back is considered one of the most exciting talents in his position and is also being watched by several Premier League clubs

A Read transfer would also have structural consequences: Konrad Laimer could move back into central midfield and thus absorb Goretzka’s possible departure internally. Bayern would not only be rejuvenated, but would also be more flexible

Nothing has been decided yet, but Atlético sporting director Alemany’s visit to Munich is more than just a coincidence. If Goretzka is open to a move and Kompany gives the green light, FC Bayern could lose one of its longest-serving midfielders in the coming days. Movement in the winter transfer window is suddenly a very realistic scenario again.