Leon Goretzka will be hot property in the summer transfer window.
The Bayern Munich star has announced that he is leaving the Allianz Arena in the summer when his contract expires. That will bring an to an end an eight-year association with the German champions.
Goretzka has won everything there is to win during his time at Bayern and will take a wealth of leadership and experience to whichever club he decides to join in the summer.
And he will have no end of suitors, given his ability and the fact that he is available on a free transfer.
Leon Goretzka Had Inquiries In The January Transfer Window
Leon Goretzka
The central midfielder, who turns 31 on Friday, could have left Germany in the January transfer window and brought in a transfer fee for the club, but he decided to stay and see out his contract and that decision is likely to end with another Bundesliga title under his belt, with the German giants six points clear at the top of the table. He could also win the UEFA Champions League for a second time, with Bayern already qualified for the last 16.
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said last week: "Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team. Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season.
"After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer. It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player."
How Much Goretzka Earns At Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich flag
Goretzka, who has been described as 'world-class' by Bavarian Football Works, has plenty of years left in the tank and has a number of suitors in the Premier League. Leaving after his contract ends will mean he can demand top wages to complete a deal, given clubs signing him will not be shelling out a transfer fee for him. According to reports he has been earning in the region of £280,000 per week at Bayern, with his annual salary thought to be €13million, with bonuses taking it up to between €17million and €18million for the year.
Manchester United have shown a strong interest in the past, looking to sign Goretzka on numerous occasions and, given their need for a central midfielder in the summer - Casemiro will be leaving when his contract expires - the German international will be high on their list of potential signings.
Premier League Clubs At The Front Of The Queue For Goretzka Signing
Goretzka
They will not be alone, however, Arsenal have also been credited with an interest, and due to the injury suffered by Mikel Merino, even made an approach to prise him away from Bayern in the January transfer window.
According to Fussball Daten, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also monitoring the situation, with Tottenham and West Ham in the Premier League also linked.
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