Leon Goretzka announces Bayern departure - which clubs could sign midfielder next season?

'Time to start a new chapter' 

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has confirmed that he will depart the German club at the end of the season, when his current contract expires. The former Champions League winner has been heavily linked with moves to a number of European clubs this month, with Atlético Madrid reportedly desperate to sign the 30-year-old talent. However, the Bochum-born talent was quick to dispel such notions with a post on social media that ruled out a departure from the Allianz Arena this month, but did confirm that he would be bringing an end to eight years in Munich at the end of the season.

“The last few days have been more turbulent than expected. At the same time, they have brought clarity,” read a statement from the player on his Instagram account. “As much as I am honoured by the interest shown by top international clubs, I have made a clear decision for myself that I want to stay at FC Bayern until the end of the season. With a team that is incredibly fun to play with both on and off the pitch, and a manager who has moulded our team into a real unit again! I feel committed to this team and the club.” He added: “At the same time, the club and I have decided in good and constructive discussions that our successful time together will come to an end in the summer. As I said earlier, it is also the right time for me to start a new chapter: as a footballer and as a person.”

Since making the move from Schalke on a free transfer in 2018, Goretzka has won no less than six Bundesliga titles, two German Cups and the all-important Champions League win in 2020. Bayern remain in contention for all three competitions this season, with a comfortable eight-point gap at the top of the German top-flight suggesting that the midfielder will add to his impressive trophy haul before the end of this current campaign. But following his departure from Bayern, where will Goretzka end up next season? As noted, Atlético remain in pole position to sign the German international at this moment in time, but that could all change at the end of the season.

Which clubs wants to sign Leon Goretzka?

At this moment in time, a move to Atlético next season certainly seems to be the most likely outcome for Goretzka in 2026. Reports in Spain suggest that the capital club were desperate to sign him before the end of the January transfer window and had held direct talks with the player’s representatives. However, things could change very quickly in the next few months. Atlético clearly wanted Goretzka as a replacement for Conor Gallagher, who was sold to Tottenham this month. If the club signs another midfielder to plug that hole in Diego Simeone’s squad this month or indeed lines up another transfer target for the summer, there may be little need for the 30-year-old German international.

Prior to signing Gallagher from the Spanish giants, Spurs were heavily linked with a move for Goretzka this month. That obviously won’t happen now, following the arrival of the England midfielder and Goretzka’s own desire to stay in Munich. But with the North London club potentially looking to move on a number of midfielders this year - such as defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma and João Palhinha (who is on loan from Bayern) - then signing Goretzka on a free deal may be the perfect solution to Tottenham’s midfield problems at the end of the season.

One club that has been heavily linked with Goretzka for a number of years now are Barcelona. Rumours hinting at Goretzka departing Munich for the Spanish giants have been circulating since 2021, but new stories from the Spanish press this month have since suggested that the German international could be tempted to make the move to LaLiga due to the enticing prospect of working under Hansi Flick again. The German tactician undoubtedly got the best out of Goretzka when Bayern won the Champions League in 2020 and the 30-year-old talent may be tempted to rekindle that excellent working relationship next season.

Another European giant that remains perpetually linked with Goretzka are AC Milan. According to Sky Sports Germany, the Serie A side were keeping close tabs on Atlético’s pursuit of the Bayern midfielder throughout the January window and were also tempted to make an offer to sign Goretzka this month. Just like their Spanish counterparts, a free transfer in the summer may be even more enticing to the San Siro side. But it remains to be seen whether they could compete with the likes of Atlético, Barcelona or Tottenham when it comes to the player’s sizable wage demands.