Bayern Munich’s midfield is packed with talent. Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Tom Bischof, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Konrad Laimer are all options that can start in central midfield, which makes these
positions highly competitive. Despite always playing a key role in Bayern’s midfield rotation, Goretzka has seen more time on the bench since Pavlović’s return, and understandably so—the youngster has been balling out and has arguably been the better option on the pitch.
In a recent Bild interview (as covered by Tz), sporting director of Borussia Dortmund Lars Ricken was asked if Leon Goretzka is the next player Dortmund would sign from Bayern, to which he answered, “I wanted to bring him to BVB in the youth section at the time. I think shortly after that, the professional wing also made another attempt.” He then emphasized that there exists no current need for Goretzka’s position— “I just said how well we are positioned in midfield. Accordingly, I would currently say: coherent nonsense.”
However, when the presenter then remarked that Ricken’s statement did not exclude the possibility of signing the midfielder, Dortmund’s sporting director did not disagree. Ricken’s reaction thus does not close the door on the possibility of a transfer. It is not atypical of club management to avoid discussing potential transfer targets. In fact, that is exactly what competent club management does.
With Goretzka’s contract expiring next summer and the potential for a free transfer on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dortmund in the mix. Whether the club would be willing to break its wage structure to accommodate the midfielder is a different matter, however. Moreover, is Goretzka even interested in a move?
Only time will tell.
