Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goreztka has ended the long-standing speculation over his future by agreeing to join Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign. The Germany international will link up with the Bavarian giants at the expiry of his Schalke deal in the summer, thus declining interest from the likes of Liverpool.
According to Bayern’s official website, the Bochum-born midfielder has put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract with the Bundesliga holders after he completed the ‘obligatory medical in Munich on Thursday’.
“We’re very pleased Leon Goretzka, a Germany international with great potential, has decided in favour of FC Bayern despite big-name international competitors. This way Leon Goretzka remains in the Bundesliga,” club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
Goretzka captured the eye of a host of foreign clubs during last summer’s Confederations Cup in Russia, where he was one of the leading performances from midfield. The 22-year-old was impressive through the continental competition, and he came with his best showing against Mexico in the semi-final where he bagged a quick first-half brace.
The 22-year-old prefers to play within the central to attacking midfield roles, and his potential arrival in the summer could have implications on the future of Arturo Vidal, in particular, given he is approaching the final year of his Bayern contract.
The German champions have made an effort to reduce the overall age of their squad with the club’s hierarchy looking to nurture young talent into world-beaters rather than following the trend of spending big in order to achieve success in domestic and European competitions.
Bayern started off the season in a relatively slow manner under ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti, but they have since revived their old form with the guidance of Jupp Heynckes, who has helped the side create a 13-point lead at the top, which pretty much assures them of a sixth straight Bundesliga title.
Meanwhile, Goretzka has recently returned to first-team training with Schalke after recovering from a leg injury, and his immediate focus will be on making the starting lineup as he looks to guide the Gelsenkirchen outfit to the Champions League for next season.
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