Bayern Munich presented their first midfield signing to the media on Monday. Konrad Laimer spoke to the media after joining Die Roten from RB Leipzig on a free transfer. The Austrian midfielder was a long-term target for Bayern as they tried to sign him last summer by making three bids. However, RB Leipzig stood firm and decided to risk losing him on a free transfer.
The Bavarian club is looking to add another number six to the squad. However, they are currently focusing on completing a deal to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur to strengthen the attack. Another midfield reinforcement may come later in the summer transfer window.
Die Roten’s plan to add two new midfielders to the squad has led to speculation over the future of Leon Goretzka. The German midfielder lost his place in the starting XI under Thomas Tuchel at the end of the last season. Tuchel was reportedly not convinced with the midfield combination of Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich.
Leon Goretzka is determined to stay at Bayern next season, but he is subject to interest from Premier League. According to Sky Sports in Germany, West Ham United has Goretzka on the shortlist to strengthen midfield after the departure of Declan Rice.
❗️News #Goretzka: He’s on the list of @westhamfootball as a potential top replacement for #Rice!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 17, 2023
➡️ Tuchel is still pushing for a new No. 6
➡️ But Goretzka has rejected every offer & request as he definitely wants to stay at FC Bayern!
➡️ Bayern‘s price expectation at this… pic.twitter.com/tGFLXWxGh5
Bayern is not actively looking to sell Goretzka, but an offer worth €40-50 million may change their mind. Leon Goretzka has no plans to leave Bavaria as of now. He is ready to fight for a place in the team after a difficult last campaign. Apart from West Ham, Manchester United has been linked with Goretzka in the past.
Goretzka currently has three years left on his contract. The German midfielder has been a mainstay in Die Roten’s starting XI since arriving from Schalke in 2018. He formed a strong midfield partnership with Kimmich. However, his form dipped last season, which has also led to concerns amongst Bayern chiefs about the German midfield axis.
The former Schalke midfielder may have to look for a move later in the window if Thomas Tuchel is not involved in plans for next season. Goretzka will look for a bigger move at this stage of his career than joining West Ham United.
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Meanwhile, Marcel Sabitzer looks certain to leave Bayern this summer. The Austrian midfielder has been subject to interest from AS Roma, but Die Roten prefers a permanent transfer instead of a loan deal. Ryan Gravenberch’s future at Bayern is also far from certain, as he wants to play regularly next season.