Goretzka confirms he's staying until the end of the season and hints at a summer departure
German international Leon Goretzka, the Bayern Munich midfielder, has put an end to the speculation surrounding his future, confirming his commitment to remaining with the Bavarian giants until the end of his contract this summer. This announcement puts an end to the rumors linking him with a move to major European clubs during the winter transfer window, most notably Atlético Madrid, who had expressed strong interest in signing him.
In a post on his official Instagram account, Goretzka addressed the fans, saying: “As much as I am proud of the interest shown by the big clubs, I have made a clear decision that I want to stay at Bayern Munich until the end of the season.” He added: “At the same time, after good and constructive discussions, the club and I have decided that our successful period together will end in the summer.” With this statement, Goretzka closes the door on an immediate departure, but opens it wide for a new chapter in his career starting next season.
A career full of titles and achievements at Allianz Arena
Leon Goretzka joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2018 on a free transfer from Schalke 04 and quickly established himself as a key player in the team's midfield. Over his time with the club, he has made nearly 300 appearances in all competitions, playing a vital role in a golden era for the Bavarian giants. Goretzka has developed into a complete player, combining physical strength with the ability to score goals and provide assists.
His career reached its peak under coach Hansi Flick in the historic 2019-2020 season, where he formed an unstoppable midfield partnership with Joshua Kimmich. This duo was the driving force behind the team's historic sextuple, which included a Champions League title, six Bundesliga titles, and two German Cup titles.
The expected impact of the decision on Bayern Munich and the German national team
Goretzka's decision to stay is of paramount importance to Bayern Munich in the second half of the season. As the team strives to seriously challenge for the Bundesliga title and progress through the Champions League knockout stages, Goretzka's experience and leadership qualities are invaluable both in the dressing room and on the pitch. However, his likely departure in the summer would force the club's management to search for a suitable replacement to maintain the strength of their midfield.
Internationally, this stability allows Goretzka to focus on performing at his best, which benefits the German national team as they prepare for the European Championship (Euro 2024) on home soil. Goretzka is a key part of coach Julian Nagelsmann's plans, and continuing to play at the highest level with Bayern will ensure his readiness for the continental tournament. The player concluded his statement by saying: “There is still a lot to achieve before then. Let's do our best together to ensure maximum success this season, both with Bayern Munich and with the national team.”.
