Bayern Munich star faces uphill battle to get a return to German national team

Germany’s defeat against Spain in the Euro quarterfinals brought down the curtains on the careers of several experienced players. Toni Kroos has retired from football, while Bayern Munich stars Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer may have played their last big tournament for Germany.

Julian Nagelsmann will make big changes to the German squad after the departure of senior players. Despite several changes in the squad planned for the next international break, SportBild (via iMiaSanMia) is reporting that Leon Goretzka will still find it difficult to get back into the German squad.

Nagelsmann and Germany are planning to build the midfield around Aleksandar Pavlovic instead of bringing Goretzka back into the squad. The young midfielder was called up for the Euros, but a tonsilitis infection ruled him out from the tournament. Pavlovic will have a big role to play in the future for Bayern and Germany. Nagelsmann also considers Angelo Stiller and Pascal Groß as other players suitable for his midfield plans.

Apart from losing a place in the German squad, Goretzka is also at the crossroads with his club career. Bayern want to part ways with the German midfielder, but he is not ready to give up on his time in Munich. He is not actively holding talks with other clubs regarding a transfer.

Goretzka may have to look for a move due to the arrival of Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder is expected to sign a four-year deal with Bayern later this week. Palhinha will become Bayern’s first-choice defensive midfielder next season, while Pavlovic and Konrad Laimer will share game time in the number eight role.

The former Schalke midfielder may not get adequate playing time next season. If Goretzka wants to make a strong case for getting back in Nagelsmann’s plans, he needs to play regularly next season. Bayern and Vincent Kompany will hold talks with Goretzka at the start of the pre-season to give clarity about his situation in the squad for next season.