Bayern Munich wanted to make tough decisions this summer regarding senior players. Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have been notable departures for Bayern as the defensive duo joined Manchester United this week. After the departures of former Ajax defenders, Bayern are not expecting much movement on the exits of other senior players.
Despite not receiving concrete offers for several senior players, Bayern are doing their part to send a strong message to them. Leon Goretzka is one of the several Die Roten players who were expected to leave this summer. The German midfielder wants to stay in Munich and fight for a place in the team. However, he may have to consider his options in the next two weeks if he doesn’t get a chance to be even in the matchday squad.
According to Kicker and Sky Sports in Germany, Goretzka has been left out of the squad for tonight’s DFB Pokal clash against Ulm. Goretzka is completely fit for the game, but he has been omitted from the squad for technical reasons.
Despite the omission from the squad for the DFB Pokal game, Sky Sports reports that Goretzka remains determined to stay in Munich and get playing time under Vincent Kompany.
🚨⛔️ Leon Goretzka will be left out of Bayern squad, although he's fit to play.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024
Technical decision, as @georg_holzner reports. pic.twitter.com/y01pALGJM4
Bayern are yet to receive concrete offers for Goretzka
Despite putting Goretzka on the transfer market, Bayern are yet to receive concrete bids for the German midfielder. Napoli and Atletico Madrid have been loosely linked with the Goretzka, but both clubs are pursuing deals for other midfielders.
Goretzka’s big salary (€17 million/year) makes it difficult for Bayern to get suitable offers. The German international’s contract in Munich ends in 2026. He was devastated to miss out on a place in the German squad for the Euro 2024. Goretzka may have to explore options in the next two weeks if he wants to get back into Nagelsmann’s plans for the German national team. As things stand, he is not a key player for Vincent Kompany, and several players are ahead of him in different midfield positions.
Bayern are unlikely to pursue a midfielder in the final two weeks of the transfer window if Goretzka leaves Bavaria. The Bavarian club has already bolstered the midfield department by signing Joao Palhinha from Fulham. Moreover, Aleksandar Pavlovic is expected to play a more prominent role in the midfield this season. Joshua Kimmich has also decided to stay at Die Roten, and he will be used in midfield by Vincent Kompany.