The pre-season tour of Asia came to an end for Bayern Munich on Wednesday with a 4-3 win against Liverpool. Frans Kratzig scored a stunning winner to help Die Roten clinch victory against strong opposition. Thomas Tuchel and players returned to Munich on Thursday as they continue to work for the start of next season with friendly games in Germany.
One of the key takeaways from the pre-season tour was the preferred midfield pairing for Tuchel. The German coach used the midfield pairing of Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer behind four attacking players. It does look like these two players will feature regularly in the starting XI.
Leon Goretzka is no longer the automatic starter at Bayern. The former Schalke midfielder came on in the second half of all pre-season games. He is expected to be used in this role next season, which has led to speculation around his future in Bavaria. It does look like one of the top Premier League clubs is ready to capitalize on Goretzka’s situation at Die Roten.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Manchester United remains very interested in signing Leon Goretzka. The Old Trafford side will look to intensify their efforts to sign Goretzka in the coming days. Goretzka remains keen on staying in Munich, but the pre-season tour has shown that he will not be a regular starter at Bayern.
Manchester United was credited with an interest in Goretzka two years ago when he was close to signing a new deal at Bayern. A move for Goretzka in 2021 made a lot of sense for Manchester United since they had lost several midfield players at the end of that particular season. It makes very little sense for the Red Devils now to sign Goretzka.
Leon Goretzka will also face the same problems at Manchester United that he is currently facing at Bayern. Erik Ten Hag has several options for the number eight role in the current squad. Moreover, Manchester United has strengthened its midfield by signing Mason Mount from Chelsea. Mount is expected to play in the number eight position for the Red Devils next season.
Manchester United is expected to sign one more midfielder this summer, but it is likely to be a defensive midfielder instead of a central midfielder. Goretzka may have to look for other clubs that will allow him to play regularly ahead of the Euros next summer. West Ham United has reportedly shown interest in Goretzka, but it remains to be seen if the German midfielder is ready to miss out on Champions League football next season.
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Bayern is not actively looking to sell Goretzka, but they might cash in if a good offer comes for him later in the window. Thomas Tuchel wants to add a number six to the squad, which will further reduce Goretzka’s playing time next season. The German midfielder has a decision to make regarding his future in Munich during the final weeks of the transfer window.