Bayern Munich bids farewell to Leon Goretzka: the midfielder will see out his contract at the end of the season

The Allianz Arena is bracing itself for one of the most significant departures in recent club history. After months of speculation regarding his standing in the squad, it is now official: Leon Goretzka’s journey with Bayern Munich has reached its expiration date. The German midfielder is currently playing out the final months of his contract, and he will not be part of the Bavarian project starting next summer.

Christoph Freund, Bayern’s Sporting Director, has formally confirmed that there will be no agreement for a contract extension. Consequently, once the current campaign concludes, Goretzka will bring his illustrious cycle in Munich to an end, hitting the market as one of the most coveted free agents in world football.

Throughout the winter months, Goretzka was the subject of intense transfer rumors. Reports frequently linked him with an immediate exit in January to allow Bayern to recoup some of his value. However, the club’s leadership made a strategic decision to prioritize sporting stability.

Both parties reached a consensus that Goretzka would remain for the duration of the season. With Bayern still fighting for the Bundesliga title and deep in the Champions League knockout rounds, the club felt that losing a veteran of his caliber mid-season would be too great a risk. This "gentleman’s agreement" allows Goretzka a dignified exit while keeping the squad’s depth intact for the "business end" of the year.

Goretzka’s departure marks the end of a fruitful eight-year period. Since joining from Schalke 04 in 2018, he transformed into a fundamental pillar of the team’s success. He was a central figure in the historic 2020 Sextuple and helped the club secure a staggering number of domestic and international honors.

Over his tenure, Goretzka became more than just a player; he was a physical phenomenon whose "box-to-box" style redefined the German midfield. His leadership in the locker room and his connection with the fans made him one of the most recognizable faces of the "Mia San Mia" philosophy.

Despite the confirmed exit, current head coach Vincent Kompany has maintained a high level of professional respect for the midfielder. The Belgian coach has been vocal about his intentions to keep Goretzka involved in the rotation.

"Leon is a top professional, and he remains a vital part of my tactical plans for the final sprint of the season," Kompany recently noted. Knowing that his departure is set in stone has seemingly taken the pressure off, allowing Goretzka to focus purely on putting a golden finishing touch on his Bayern career.

As a free agent in 2026, Goretzka represents a "luxury bargain." While several Premier League giants are monitoring his status, Atlético de Madrid has emerged as a frontrunner.

Diego Simeone’s technical staff reportedly views Goretzka as the perfect reinforcement for the "Colchonero" midfield. His aerial prowess, defensive work rate, and ability to arrive late in the box align perfectly with the "Cholo" identity. For Goretzka, a move to the Spanish capital could be the ideal final challenge for his European career.

One thing is certain: while his future lies far from the Allianz Arena, Leon Goretzka intends to leave Munich as a champion one last time.