Midfield shake-up getting closer: Leon Goretzka on the verge of leaving FC Bayern | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka’s sporting future at FC Bayern is more uncertain than ever. The 30-year-old midfielder’s contract expires next summer – and there is currently little to suggest an extension.

The 2:2 draw at Union Berlin not only ended the record champions‘ impressive winning streak (16 competitive matches in a row), but also brought Goretzka back into the spotlight of criticism at the German record champions. The international put in a poor performance in the capital, losing ten balls and remaining largely inconspicuous with just 60 touches of the ball.

Fans lose patience – hardly any influence on the game

Dissatisfaction with Goretzka is growing noticeably on social media, with many fans accusing him of having no real influence on Munich’s play – neither in building up the game nor in winning the ball. The Bochum-born player is too rarely able to make progressive passes and too rarely brings his physicality to bear in tackles.

Goretzka also falls down statistically: no scoring points in the current season, plus a noticeable decline in pace, dynamism and presence. With an estimated annual salary of around 17 million euros, the midfielder is nevertheless one of the top earners at FC Bayern – a disparity that has long been discussed internally.

Coach Vincent Kompany has so far continued to rely on Goretzka – especially in the Bundesliga. He has already made eight appearances in the starting eleven this season, but the veteran has hardly played a role in the Champions League.

Goretzka has not even started any of the matches in the Champions League so far. Even against supposedly weaker opponents such as Brugge or Pafos, he only made the bench. In the top matches against Chelsea and PSG, he played a total of 28 minutes. The clear hierarchy in midfield is as follows: Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are set – Goretzka is only a supplementary player.

Bischof shines with strong performances

FC Bayern made provisions last summer with the signing of Tom Bischof. The 20-year-old impresses with his wit, vision and technical precision. In the 2-2 draw against Union Berlin, he set up Harry Kane’s late equalizer with a pinpoint cross.

The youngster also provided an assist in the 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen with a dream pass to Serge Gnabry. In eight competitive matches, Bischof has already notched up three assists – in just 265 minutes played. By comparison, Goretzka has been on the pitch for 786 minutes without scoring a single goal.

Many fans have therefore long seen Bischof as the first alternative behind Kimmich and Pavlovic. His development could decisively accelerate the upheaval in Bayern’s midfield.

Separation likely – relief for the salary budget

While Bayern bosses were open to a contract extension for Serge Gnabry, there are many indications that Goretzka will leave the club in the summer of 2026. A sale or transfer-free departure would ease the financial burden on Munich – and pave the way for a rejuvenation of the squad.

With the up-and-coming Bischof, the consistently strong Pavlovic and the return of Jamal Musiala, who is currently injured, Munich are already well positioned in central midfield.

Everything points to the fact that Leon Goretzka’s chapter at FC Bayern is coming to an end.