The German international will not be renewing his contract with the Bundesliga giants and will become a free agent
Leon Goretzka will not leave Bayern Munich during the winter transfer window, with the club confirming that the midfielder has chosen to stay until the end of the season despite concrete interest from other clubs.
The clarification was delivered by Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund amid growing speculation linking the 30-year-old with a January move, including reported interest from Atlético Madrid. Freund said Bayern and the player had held extensive talks before reaching a clear decision.
“We have had several discussions with Leon, together with all parties involved. He feels extremely comfortable at this club and with the team, and he has therefore decided to stay,” Freund said at a press conference.
“Leon has performed at a very high level in recent years, is a German international, so it’s no surprise that there have been concrete inquiries from other clubs. He has dealt with this, but he feels very comfortable here.
“He senses the energy, the atmosphere, and the strong direction the club is heading in, and he wants to remain part of it as an important figure for our team.”
Contract situation brings clarity on Goretzka’s future
While Bayern have closed the door on any winter move, Freund also confirmed that Goretzka’s long term future has already been resolved. His contract expires in the summer, and both parties have agreed that his spell in Munich will end at that point.
“We have had open conversations, including with Leon personally. Everyone knows that his contract expires in the summer. In these talks, we discussed his future openly. I can now say that Leon Goretzka’s time at FC Bayern will come to an end in the summer,” Freund added.
“Leon has been with us for eight years and has been extremely successful and strong, both as a player and as a person. But it’s not over yet. He will stay with us for the next few months with the aim of achieving great things. We look forward to the next months with him,” Freund said.
Attention has already turned to where Goretzka might go next. Atlético Madrid have been linked in recent weeks, while Tottenham are also reported to be exploring a potential move.
Tottenham have already strengthened their midfield this window with the signing of Conor Gallagher, formerly of Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, on a long-term contract. However, after progressing in the Champions League earlier this week, head coach Thomas Frank is understood to be considering further additions.
According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo, Spurs have held discussions with Roof, the agency representing Goretzka.
Goretzka joined Bayern Munich from Schalke in the summer of 2018 and has since been a central figure during a highly successful period for the club.
He has made 292 appearances for Bayern, scoring 47 goals and registering 48 assists across all competitions.