Leon Goretzka is set to leave Bayern Munich for AC Milan on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30th, according to widespread reports. The 31-year-old midfielder joined Bayern from Schalke in 2018 and has enjoyed a highly successful spell in Bavaria, winning the Bundesliga title in all but one season, as well as two DFB Pokal titles and the 2020 Champions League. He will first represent Germany at the World Cup this summer, where they are considered 12/1 contenders by Sportaza online sportsbook.
Alongside Goretzka, Julian Brandt will also be departing a Bundesliga giant this summer. Borussia Dortmund’s managing director for sport, Lars Ricken, confirmed in March that Brandt would leave at the end of his contract. The attacking midfielder, who previously starred for Bayer Leverkusen, registered 57 goals and 70 assists in six seasons at Signal Iduna Park, winning the DFB Pokal in 2021 and reaching the Champions League final in 2024. He is widely expected to join Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone reportedly viewing him as a direct replacement for Antoine Griezmann.
Xaver Schlager is another notable Bundesliga player poised for a free transfer. The RB Leipzig midfielder, who has been with the club since 2022, was informed in February that his contract would not be renewed. Despite an injury-disrupted 2024/25 season, Schlager played a key role in Leipzig’s DFB Pokal win in his first season and their return to the Champions League this past season. Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, and Celtic have all expressed interest, but a move to one of Europe’s larger clubs is anticipated.
Goretzka’s move to Milan represents a significant addition to the Rossoneri’s midfield, bringing experience and a proven track record of success. Brandt’s creativity and goal-scoring ability will bolster Atletico’s attack, while Schlager’s defensive qualities could prove valuable to a team competing at the highest level. These departures signal a changing of the guard in the Bundesliga, while simultaneously strengthening some of Europe’s other top clubs.
