Manchester United reportedly has an opportunity to sign Leon Goretzka in 2025, as the player is discontented with his treatment by Vincent Kompany, which may facilitate a transfer from Bayern Munich.
The Red Devils allocated over £180 million for five new acquisitions during the summer transfer window, with two of these, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, joining from Bayern Munich for fees projected to total £42.9 million (€50 million, $56.7 million) and £17.2 million (€20.4 million, $22.7 million) respectively.
Although both have been integral to the Manchester United lineup this season, it is clear that Erik ten Hag’s team remains a work in progress, still hindered by the inconsistency that plagued their previous campaign.
One focus for enhancement was central midfield, with United expending a sum that would ultimately exceed £50.7m (€60m, $67m) on Manuel Ugarte.
Nonetheless, given ongoing discussions over Casemiro’s sustained performance at the elite level, it is unsurprising that the Red Devils are associated with other potential substitutes.
Consequently, Fichajes reported last week that United were considering prospective acquisitions of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
The Sun reports that they are on heightened alert about a potential acquisition of Goretzka, who is reportedly ‘upset’ by his limited playing time under Vincent Kompany this season.
It is asserted that both United and West Ham are considering acquisitions of the 57-time capped Germany international; with two years remaining on his contract, a chance may arise to secure the seasoned 29-year-old player.
Manchester United may capitalize on the chance to acquire Bayern Munich’s Goretzka, who has consistently been a part of the team since his transfer to the Allianz Arena in July 2018, amassing 222 appearances for the Bundesliga powerhouse during this period.
The summer acquisition of Joao Palhinha, together with the ascension of Aleksandar Pavlovic from the academy, has diminished Goretzka’s impact, resulting in his exclusion from the matchday squad for Saturday’s resounding 6-1 victory against Holstein Kiel.
In response to his exclusion from the Bundesliga match roster, sports director Max Eberl informed Sky Germany that Goretzka has been apprised of the battle for positions in the midfield.
Eberl asserted, “We communicated with utmost clarity from the outset.” Leon was aware that we depended on Pavlo [Pavlovic], and that we would include Palhinha, while Joshua [Kimmich] would assume a more central role once again.
“We have also stated that when Leon is prepared to confront the situation, he will be treated entirely normally.” Leon is an exceptional individual. I have a strong affection for him, despite his evident distress at present. I comprehend it as well. However, there is an inherent aspect of life in football.
Although United’s minority shareholders, INEOS, like to acquire younger talent with significant potential, talk2soccer reports that they are opportunistic and might consider a move if the price is favorable.
He is reportedly furious about his limited playing time and consequent exclusion from the matchday squad, which may facilitate a prospective transfer.
Nonetheless, the midfielder’s existing compensation presents a challenge, and he would probably have to accept a significant reduction from his current £273,000 weekly salary in Bavaria for a transfer to materialize.
Manchester United will offer Amad a new contract as Martial secures a new club.
At United, the Red Devils are prepared to offer the more proficient Amad Diallo a new contract at Old Trafford following the youthful winger’s impressive commencement to the season.
The former Sunderland and Rangers loanee has patiently awaited his chance at United, which he has finally seized, becoming a fixture in the starting lineup this season.
Amad’s current contract concludes at the end of the 2024/25 season; however, Manchester United possesses a club option for an additional year.
Nonetheless, talk2soccer can affirm that the player is content at Old Trafford and is keen to extend his current contract, with discussions scheduled to begin in the forthcoming months.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial is nearing a transfer to a new club in Europe, which will make him the highest-paid player in that team’s history.
The decline of Goretzka’s standing at Bayern
Goretzka joined Bayern in the summer of 2018 and promptly secured a position as a key player in Niko Kovac’s lineup.
He participated in 42 matches across all competitions during his inaugural season, recording nine goals and seven assists for the team. The midfielder continued to be a crucial player under Hansi Flick, making 38 appearances in the 2019/20 season as Bayern secured the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and the DFB-Pokal.
He also had his most prolific individual year, recording eight goals and eleven assists across all competitions.
The German international faced health and injury issues over the last two seasons, restricting him to 26 starts across all competitions in both 2020/21 and 2021/22.
He recorded eight goals and eight assists for the club in 2020/21, but this declined to three goals and three assists in 2021/22.
In the 2022/23 season, Goretzka overcame his injury problems, achieving six goals and six assists in 40 games across all competitions as Bayern secured their 11th straight Bundesliga title.
He was a consistent participant under Thomas Tuchel in the 2023/24 season, with just Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer making more appearances for Bayern.
He has since lost favor under Kompany and has made only one substitute appearance at the beginning of current season.
Leon has remained at Bayern for an extended duration. “He achieved considerable success and is an exceptional player,” stated Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund following a DFB Pokal first-round victory against Ulm.
“We communicated to him that there is significant competition for his position.” We are exceptionally well equipped at that location. Leon is aware of that. This explains the current circumstances and his absence from today’s team.
