Leon Goretzka calls time on Bayern Munich career

Leon Goretzka will leave Bayern Munich this summer.

The departure of the 30-year-old Germany international, who is in his eighth season at the Allianz Arena, follows “good and open talks” with the Bavarian club, Bayern announced in a statement.

Goretzka, who has won a glittering array of honours including six Bundesliga titles and the Champions League since his arrival from Schalke in 2018, was the subject of a failed transfer bid from Atlético Madrid this week. 

But the midfielder, who has been capped 67 times by Germany, confirmed in a social media statement that he will instead see through his contract to its expiration in June.

Leon Goretzka makes ‘clear decision’ to leave Bayern Munich

“The last few days have been more turbulent than expected,” said Goretzka. “At the same time, they made things clear. 

“As much as I’m honoured by the interest from top international clubs, I have made a clear decision that I want to stay with FC Bayern until the end of the season.

“At the same time, the club and I have decided in good and constructive talks that our successful time together will come to an end in the summer. As I have said before, this is also the right moment for me to open a new chapter once again, both as a footballer and as a person.”

Goretzka, who has made 15 starts in the Bundesliga this term, remains an important and influential member of the squad. But with Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic the established first-choice pairing in the Champions League, the direction of travel for Bayern in the longer term appears clear. While it will undoubtedly be a wrench for Goretzka to leave the club that has defined his career, he will certainly have no shortage of suitors.

“Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team,” said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund. “Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season. After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer. 

‘Goretzka has enjoyed eight extremely successful years at Bayern’

“It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player. Leon will give his all up to the summer to win as many more titles with the team as possible.”

A seventh Bundesliga title seems a formality, given Bayern’s eight-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table, while a second-place finish in the initial phase of the Champions League suggests the club will also be strong contenders for a seventh European Cup. It is little wonder that Goretzka prefers to remain where he is for now.

“There’s still a lot to do,” added Goretzka, who also has this summer’s World Cup to look forward to. “Let’s do everything together so that we with FC Bayern, and also with the national team, achieve maximum success this season.”