Goretzka set for Bayern exit: have they found his replacement? | OneFootball

In Munich, preparations are already underway for a strong squad for the new season. Even though the competition in the midfield is fierce, FC Bayern is apparently considering strengthening this position.

According to information from the Spanish portal Fichajes, Bayern is preparing an offer for Pablo Barrios from Atlético Madrid. The contract of the 22-year-old central midfielder runs until 2030, yet a transfer for around 70 million euros is not out of the question.

There have already been reports of growing interest from FC Bayern in the Spanish national player. Barrios has developed into a key player at Atlético in recent years, impressing with his game intelligence and tactical maturity. Despite his age, he is already considered a key performer for the Rojiblancos.

In the 2024/25 season, the Spaniard made 31 league appearances, scored one goal, and assisted four others. Even in the current 2025/26 season, the 22-year-old remains a regular: In the first eight league games, he was in the starting lineup seven times, scored once, and has accumulated a strong 652 minutes of play so far.

Is Barrios coming as a replacement for Goretzka?

Photo: IMAGO

Even without an urgent need for action in the midfield, strategic thinking is likely at Säbener Straße. The German record champion currently has numerous options in central midfield: In addition to Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic and newcomer Tom Bischof are also available. However, the situation with Goretzka is open – his contract expires in June 2026, and an extension is uncertain.

Barrios would be a high-caliber addition in terms of sports – financially, however, his transfer would be a challenge. In the summer, there was talk of a transfer fee of up to 80 million euros. In Spain, Atlético reportedly wants to initiate an early contract extension, according to fichajes.net, to prevent a possible transfer.

Given Tom Bischof's recent strong performances, a move by the Spaniard to the Isar currently seems rather unlikely.

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