The winter break will be dominated by the transfer rumours as the mid-season transfer window opens on January 1. Bayern Munich are not expected to do business during the winter window, but there will be interest from several clubs in Bayern players.
According to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto (via RadioMarca), Atletico Madrid have enquired about Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka. The German midfielder will be free to negotiate with clubs in January regarding a free transfer in the summer.
This is not the first time Atletico Madrid have shown interest in Goretzka. They were heavily linked with the German midfielder in 2024. However, Goretzka ended up staying in Munich despite interest from several clubs.
Goretzka has been an important player for Bayern since arriving from Schalke on a free transfer in 2018. He has won all possible trophies at Die Roten, including the historic treble in 2020. The German international played a key role in each of the trophies won at the club over the last seven years.
Despite his contributions over the last seven years, Bayern believed it was time to part ways in 2024. Goretzka was left out of matchday squads at the start of the season, but he decided to stay put and fight for game time. The German international ended up getting an adequate amount of game time under Vincent Kompany and helped the team win the Bundesliga title.
Bayern may not sanction a winter transfer for Goretzka
As things stand, Bayern are not keen on offering a new deal to Leon Goretzka. The experienced German midfielder is keen on staying in Munich, but he may have to start considering options during the second half of the season.
Bayern are already looking beyond Leon Goretzka in their midfield plans. Aleksandar Pavlovic is ahead of him in the pecking order, while Tom Bischof has also made a good impression whenever he has played in the center of the park. The record Bundesliga champions reportedly want to sign a young midfielder in the summer, who will eventually replace Goretzka.
Despite Atletico Madrid’s interest in Goretzka, Bayern are unlikely to sanction a transfer in the winter. The Bavarian club needs a big squad to compete on all fronts. Even though Goretzka is not a first-choice midfield option, he will end up playing an adequate number of games during Ruckrunde and help Bayern to achieve their targets for the season.