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IS LEON GORETZKA LEAVING, BAYERN MUNICH FUTURE HANGS IN BALANCE

Leon Goretzka's future at Bayern Munich is in doubt as his box-to-box style clashes with Vincent Kompany's tactical system. With his contract expiring, the German midfielder appears a poor fit, raising questions about his long-term role.

Is Leon Goretzka leaving, Bayern Munich future hangs in balance
Leon Goretzka’s Bayern journey could be ending - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Leon Goretzka's future is currently being closely watched after seven years with Bayern Munich, particularly in light of his most recent performance.

In Bayern Munich's Bundesliga tie with Union Berlin, the German midfielder appeared to be a tactical weak point. Goretzka was substituted in the 80th minute after failing to make a significant attacking or defensive contribution. However, this is more a problem of tactical mismatch than it is of his skill as a player.

Leon Goretzka's unique style of play


Leon Goretzka, who made his debut with Schalke 04, has always been an aggressive midfielder. When he started his career, he was a number 10 who played behind the attackers. Following his physical development, numerous coaches began to use his strong motor and offensive ability as a box-to-box midfielder.

As a result of this job, Leon Goretzka became well-known throughout Bayern's treble-winning 2019–20 season. Goretzka benefited from a pressing strategy that prioritised wing play to generate opportunities.

Because of his ability to box-crash and clear up long shots at the edge of the box, Leon Goretzka became one of Europe's most feared midfielders as defenders focused all of their attention on Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller.

Goretzka's most productive season at Bayern was the treble-winning one, scoring close to 20 goals despite sharing playing time in a crowded midfield with Thiago, Joshua Kimmich, Javi Martinez, and Corentin Tolisso.

Thiago and Javi Martinez in particular helped eliminate Goretzka's two most obvious shortcomings: winning the ball and relieving the press. The German midfielder had a lot of difficulties carrying out these two responsibilities because these two players would be leaving in the next season.

Kompany's system is not compatible with Goretzka's attributes.


As usual, Leon Goretzka continues to crash the box a lot in the Union Berlin game. But this playstyle did not seem to fit all the requirements.

Because Goretzka was moving forward during the build-up phase, Bayern was without a midfielder, and they had a difficult time countering Union Berlin's very muscular pressing strategy. It was challenging to advance the ball since Upamecano, Kimmich, and Laimer were constantly encircled by several home team players.

His inability to manoeuvre in confined spaces was evident when Leon Goretzka ducked deeper to assist his teammates. This was most evident during a play in the first half when Luis Diaz threw the ball back to him and he awkwardly mishandled it to the opposition just outside the penalty area.

Additionally, the 30-year-old had no further influence. Union Berlin's penalty area felt crowded with Goretzka. Konrad Laimer and Serge Gnabry wish to support Michael Olise on the underlap by running into the right half-space. But Leon Goretzka typically took up most of the room with his movements and pulled a defender with him. This may be a contributing element, but it is hardly an excuse to blame Bayern's number eight for the problems of three other important players.

Aleksandar Pavlovic also brought with him a whole different style of play. The 20-year-old is a deep-lying playmaker who plays much closer to the middle of the pitch and only attacks the box when there is room to do so. His presence improved communication between the midfield and the sides and created a path for Harry Kane to run and equalise in the closing minutes of the match.

Arrival of summer. Another midfield player that matches Kompany's mentality is Tom Bischof, a flexible number six who can win the ball back by making underlapping runs in addition to creating from deep.

These two young players gave the impression that Bayern was rediscovering their former Thiago and Javi Martinez. Leon Goretzka, who was intended to be the replacement for these two, is now lower on the hierarchy.

The tale of Leon Goretzka and Bayern Munich is one of unwavering affection. Goretzka strives to be able to contribute to the team and enjoys playing for the red and white. He earned his spot in the locker room for that. When he enters or exits the field, Bayern supporters yell his name at the top of their lungs in the loudest cheers.

But now it appears that Leon Goretzka's style of play and the tactics are a little out of sync. The deal with the German star will only expire at the end of this season. He still possesses all the necessary skills to play for the world's top clubs. But when July of next year rolls around, will that team still be Bayern Munich?

BAYERN MUNICH FACE MAJOR DECISION ON LEON GORETZKA AS EUROPEAN GIANTS CIRCLE NOW

Leon Goretzka’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain as Tottenham and Napoli show interest. Discover why Vincent Kompany wants him to stay.

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Vincent Kompany Blocks Goretzka Exit

The winter transfer window is just around the corner, and as usual, Bayern Munich's name is popping up in transfer rumours all over the place. But the top guys at the club keep saying they won't be bringing anyone in this January.

As for players leaving, there's talk about guys whose contracts are almost up. Leon Goretzka is one of them, and he's been linked to a bunch of clubs lately.

Apparently, Bayern hasn't offered Goretzka a new deal yet. They're looking at younger midfielders to possibly replace him in the summer. Tottenham, Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested in snagging Goretzka this winter.

Sky Sports Germany says that Vincent Kompany thinks highly of Goretzka. The coach wants him to stay and appreciates what he brings to the field.

On the other hand, The Athletic is saying that the rumours about Goretzka going to Tottenham are off base. Apparently, Tottenham isn't trying to get him. Goretzka is also said to be locked in on finishing out the season strong with Bayern.

Goretzka's still got a job to do at Bayern.

Aleksandar Pavlovic has kind of jumped ahead of Goretzka in the lineup. The young midfielder played great in the first half of the season.

Goretzka's been coming off the bench lately. Even though he's not a starter right now, Goretzka can still help the team in the second half of the season. His experience will be really important in those big Champions League games. Plus, he can play different positions if needed. He can fill in on defence or be an attacking midfielder. A guy like that could be really helpful for Bayern as they try to win it all.

Right now, it looks like Kompany is happy with his team. Other than Sacha Boey, Bayern isn't expected to let go of any senior players this winter. Since Bayern is competing in three different competitions, Kompany will need everyone to play their best.

CONFIRMED: FABRIZIO ROMANO VALIDATES BAYERN MUNICH INTEREST IN €50M-RATED BRAZILIAN FORWARD RAYAN.

Bayern Munich eyes Vasco’s Rayan for a €50m summer move. Read how the 19-year-old fits into the 2026 attack alongside Harry Kane.

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Bayern Munich opens negotiations for Vasco starlet Rayan

Bayern Munich had a decent summer with player transfers, though the timing could've been better. The club isn't planning on getting anyone new in January, but they're lining up deals for the summer.

Besides big-name signings, Bayern's also keeping an eye on young talent. They seem pretty interested in a top Brazilian prospect.

According to UOL in Brazil, Bayern is talking more with Vasco's forward, Rayan, and his people. The 19-year-old is up for joining Bayern, and Vasco is waiting for an offer. Word is, Vasco wants close to €50 million for himself.

Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer guy, also said Bayern is keen on Rayan. He knows there's been contact, but Rayan's just one of several players Bayern's looking at to beef up their attack.

Since Vasco might want a lot for Rayan, Bayern could be thinking about putting him straight into the first team. The kid can play on the right or behind the main striker. He's had a great season with Vasco, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.

Rayan's stats make him sound like a scoring machine, but he might need a bit to get used to the Bundesliga. Since Bayern has enough players in attack, Rayan could get time to adjust.

Bayern will need to get a forward next summer.

They let go of three experienced forwards over the summer and signed Luis Diaz for keeps, and Nicolas Jackson is on loan from Chelsea. Lennart Karl has really stepped up and is now a regular in the squad this season.

Max Eberl recently hinted that they probably won't buy Jackson permanently next summer. So, Bayern will need someone who can fill in for Harry Kane and play on the wings if needed.

Someone like Rayan might not be ready to back up Kane just yet. If Bayern gets the Brazilian forward, they'd still need another number nine to add some depth to the attack. Bayern might not spend a ton on forwards this summer, but there will definitely be some fresh faces in that part of the team.

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