Bayern Munich were expected to be linked with several midfielders since the end of the winter transfer window. The Bavarian club confirmed the departure of Leon Goretzka. The German midfielder will not sign a new deal at Bayern and leave Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Goretzka has been a fine player for Bayern since arriving from Schalke on a free transfer eight seasons ago. He is still at the peak of his career, but Die Roten believe it is the right time to part ways at the end of the season.
The German international’s replacement will not be a star player as Bayern do not want to spend heavily in the summer. Moreover, SportBild (via iMiaSanMia) is reporting that Die Roten are backing Tom Bischof to play a bigger role in central midfield from next season.
Bischof is enjoying a decent debut season in the Bavarian colours. The young midfielder arrived from Hoffenheim on a free transfer at the end of last season. He has been utilised in the full-back and midfield positions this season. The youngster is nearing 1000 minutes of game time for Die Roten, which is a good amount of game time for his first season in Munich.
Playing in different positions will certainly help Bischof to develop into a more well-rounded midfielder. He certainly has the talent and temperament to be a long-term replacement for Leon Goretzka.
Bayern Munich open to signing exceptional young midfield talent
Despite Bayern’s eagerness to avoid an expensive summer transfer window, they are open to breaking the bank for an exceptional midfield talent like Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The 16-year-old midfielder is delivering excellent performances at the senior level this season, attracting the attention of several big clubs in Europe.
Bayern reportedly tried to sign Eichhorn in the winter transfer window. The teenager reportedly has a release clause of €25 million in his contract, which makes him a highly coveted player in the summer transfer window. Die Roten always want to sign top German talent, so their interest in Eichhorn is not surprising.
Eichhorn is a long-term midfield signing. Die Roten may try to loan him back to Hertha Berlin to ensure he plays regularly every weekend.
Considering the potential availability of Eichhorn in the summer and Tom Bischof settling in the squad, it does make sense for Bayern not to pursue a move for a superstar and expensive midfielder.