Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has officially announced that veteran midfielder Leon Goretzka will end his eight-year tenure with the Bavarian giants following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. Despite intense January transfer speculation linking the German international with a move to Atlético Madrid, the club clarified that Goretzka will see out the remainder of his contract at the Allianz Arena before departing as a free agent this summer. This decision ensures that the 29-year-old remains available for manager Vincent Kompany as the club pursues a deep run in both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League.
Freund’s announcement provides long-awaited clarity regarding the future of the powerful box-to-box midfielder, who arrived from Schalke 04 in 2018. During his highly decorated spell in Munich, Goretzka evolved into a cornerstone of the squad, playing a pivotal role in the historic 2020 treble-winning campaign. His resume at Bayern includes an impressive collection of silverware, featuring multiple league titles and domestic cups alongside his European triumph. While competition in the heart of Bayern’s midfield has intensified recently with the emergence of younger talents, Goretzka’s leadership and big-game experience remain vital assets for the locker room during this transitional period.
The midfielder reportedly rejected several winter offers to ensure he finishes his chapter in Munich on a high note. By staying until June, Goretzka allows Bayern to maintain squad depth for the grueling final months of the season while giving himself the freedom to negotiate with potential suitors as one of the most high-profile free agents on the market. Clubs across the Premier League and La Liga continue to monitor his situation closely, anticipating a fierce bidding war for his signature once the summer window opens.
Christoph Freund addressed the situation during a press conference on Friday, as reported by Fabrizio Romano: “Leon Goretzka will leave FC Bayern in the summer as a free agent, not now. Leon’s time at FC Bayern will be over in the summer. He will go another way after 8 successful years. We’ll fight together in the coming months to achieve big things.”
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