He is not expected to sign a new contract.
Picu Díaz at Diario AS reported Friday that Atlético de Madrid are interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka for a summer transfer.
Goretzka, who turns 31 in February, is poised to leave Bayern when his contract expires following the season. The longtime Germany international has a difficult relationship with the Bundesliga’s Rekordmeister, who are not expected to offer him a new contract before June.
Atlético, Juventus and Italian champions Napoli all are following Goretzka, according to Díaz.
“Goretzka is a player who fits Atlético’s profile perfectly,” Díaz writes. “He’s tall (6’2”), physically strong and able to play multiple positions in midfield (in front of the defense and even in attacking roles). He is a veteran player, not old, but with a wealth of experience.”
Goretzka joined Bayern on a free transfer from Schalke 04 in 2018. In the seven years since, Goretzka has won six Bundesliga titles (he is likely to win a seventh this season), in addition to four German Super Cups and two DFB-Pokal titles. As a member of Hansi Flick’s sextuple-winning 2020 side, Goretzka lifted the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup that year.
It will not have been lost on anyone seriously watching Atleti this season that Diego Simeone’s side is missing another playmaking presence in midfield. Johnny Cardoso has had numerous fitness issues since his arrival from Real Betis, which has led to Koke playing extensively (and playing quite well), while Conor Gallagher plays better when he is near the penalty area as opposed to the center of the park. There is a creative gap beyond Pablo Barrios, who has no natural replacement; Simeone has resorted to playing Álex Baena or Thiago Almada as a central midfielder on occasion to cover said gap.
Last month, Matteo Moretto reported on Radio Marca that Atlético are interested in signing Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi next summer. Though Goretzka is a bit older, he is similarly a high-profile player who has outstanding technical traits and would be available on a free transfer. It may be part of the plan that Mateu Alemany has to reshape Atleti as the club’s new sporting director.
Category: General Sports
