Goretzka set for Bayern exit, replacement already lined up | OneFootball

According to current media reports, Bayern are planning for a possible departure of Leon Goretzka – and have already identified Nathan de Cat as a highly interesting candidate to succeed him.

Signs have been pointing towards a farewell between Leon Goretzka and FC Bayern for months. The 30-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2026, and an extension is considered extremely unlikely. While the German international himself remains tight-lipped, the record champions have long been working on possible alternatives – and one name now stands out in particular.

According to information from Sky, both sporting director Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund are intensively looking into Nathan de Cat. The 1.92-meter-tall midfielder from RSC Anderlecht is considered one of the most promising talents in Belgian football and is apparently being evaluated internally as a potential Goretzka successor.

The Belgian exceptional talent in Bayern’s focus

Photo: IMAGO

De Cat is only 17 years old, but has already made a remarkable leap. Since this summer, he has officially belonged to Anderlecht’s first team – and has immediately established himself there. In the current season, he already has 14 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League, 13 of them as a starter. So far, he has scored one goal and provided one assist.

In terms of profile, the Belgian youth international is strongly reminiscent of Goretzka. He too is a dynamic box-to-box player who can play both as a number eight and a number six. With his tremendous physicality, strong positional play, and ability to cover ground at pace, he fits exactly the player profile Bayern are looking for in central midfield.

The fact that he has so much playing time despite his young age speaks to his great potential. His market value is currently estimated at around seven million euros – a sum that could rise significantly if he is signed in the summer of 2026. De Cat’s contract in Anderlecht runs until 2027.

Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg also emphasizes how serious Bayern are: “They are moving forward and currently reviewing many options. They are getting in early, also with an eye on the summer.”

Interesting: In addition to Bayern, Borussia Dortmund is also said to be interested in the 17-year-old. BVB has been a destination for top talents for years – so a duel between the two German heavyweights could be on the horizon.

Why a Goretzka departure is becoming increasingly likely

As strong as Bayern’s interest in de Cat is, the signs of Goretzka’s departure are just as clear. The midfielder’s contract runs until 2026 – and currently there are no indications that the record champions are seeking an extension.

Plettenberg puts it clearly: “As things stand today, I don’t think Bayern will extend the contract. The fact that they are looking for someone also points in that direction.”

Goretzka has delivered important moments in recent years, but at the same time is struggling with fluctuations in form and increasing competition. The club is planning for the long term – and apparently wants to restructure its central midfield.

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