Leon Goretzka is keen to stake his future at Bayern Munich but is reportedly interested in a move to Liverpool, Barcelona or Real Madrid if a move ultimately comes up.
Goretzka has divided opinion at Bayern in recent years and was the subject of speculation even before new manager Vincent Kompany decided to leave him out of the squad for the DfB Cup match against SSV Ulm.
“As a club, we always want to be clear with our players, that’s the reality,” Kompany said after selling the 29-year-old. “We do it within the family. There’s no need to say anything publicly.”
With Goretzka’s future now in serious doubt, Sky Sports Germany report that he wants to rejoin Kompany’s thinking and plans to resist pressure to leave the club.
However, if Goretzka were to move, he is said to be considering a move to Liverpool, Barcelona or Madrid, with a move to “one to three other teams” also being suggested.
Goretzka has not played in Bayern’s last two games / ANP/GettyImages
A number of Bayern officials have spoken out about the situation, with sporting director Max Eberl saying: “We have spoken openly with the players. We have strengthened the midfield. [Joshua] Kimmich will return to the midfield. The players understand that things can get tough. We have communicated that very clearly. Things are clear internally too.”
Sporting director Christoph Freund soon followed suit, adding: “Leon has been at Bayern for a very long time. He is very successful and a great player. We spoke to him and made it clear to him that there is a lot of competition in his position. We are well prepared in the position and Leon knows that. That’s why the situation is the way it is now.”
Earlier this summer, honorary president Uli Hoeness spoke in a more favourable light about the pressure on Goretzka’s shoulders and the midfielder is said to have taken note of those comments.
“There are always second chances in life,” Hoeness said. “And that also applies to him at Bayern. He now has a chance to prove himself. The last two years have not been good.”