The winter transfer window is expected to be quiet for Bayern Munich in terms of incomings. However, there is going to be significant interest in some of the players at Bayern who are entering the final six months of their contracts.
Leon Goretzka is likely to be the wanted man during the winter transfer window, as it does look like Bayern will not offer him a new deal. Atletico Madrid have already made an enquiry about a potential transfer for the German midfielder. The Spanish club will likely face competition from one of the top clubs in Serie A.
According to Tutto Mercato Web in Italy (via iMiaSanMia), Goretzka is the preferred midfield target for Napoli during the winter transfer window. The Italian champions have several injuries in midfield, which have forced their hand in the winter transfer market. Napoli also have alternative options since there is an acceptance that Bayern may not sell Goretzka in January.
Die Roten have been tight-lipped about the future of Goretzka. The club hierarchy has been vocal about contract extensions for Serge Gnabry and Dayot Upamecano, but Goretzka’s situation has hardly been addressed by them in the media.
It does look like Bayern are ready to part ways with Goretzka in the summer. They have young midfielders in the form of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof, who can play more regularly after the departure of Goretzka. Moreover, Die Roten have been heavily linked with several young midfielders over the last couple of months.
Summer move will be ideal for Leon Goretzka
The former Schalke midfielder’s preference is to stay at Bayern. He is unlikely to give up on achieving the target. Bayern had told Goretzka to look for a new club in 2024, but he worked hard and managed to get himself back in the club’s plans under Vincent Kompany. He hopes to achieve the same outcome by playing out of his skin during the second half of the season.
Apart from clinging to the hope of getting a contract extension, Goretzka will get a healthy signing bonus if he waits until summer for a new club. There will be more clubs interested in signing the German midfielder during the summer transfer window.
From Bayern’s perspective, they do not want to lose any player in January as they are competing on all fronts. The club chiefs will look to tie down the key players on long-term deals during January and plan for the summer transfers. Unless Napoli come up with a highly lucrative transfer fee, Die Roten will not part ways with Goretzka in the winter.