Leon Goretzka confirms summer Bayern exit amid treble pursuit
Leon Goretzka has confirmed he will leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires this summer, but the midfielder is determined to depart with a historic treble. The 29-year-old German international made the announcement in an interview on the club's official website ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Goretzka stated that he made a conscious decision last winter to see out the final months of his deal, which runs until June 2024, rather than seek a mid-season transfer. His primary focus is now on helping Bayern secure the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles in what remains of the campaign. The club currently holds a nine-point lead at the top of the domestic league and faces Bayer Leverkusen in the cup semi-finals.
"I feel that anything really is possible this season," Goretzka said. "The right players are in the right place, with the right coach, at the right club. I'm absolutely convinced that we can win everything this year – even though I know how difficult that is." His comments come at a critical juncture, with the highly anticipated European tie against Real Madrid representing a significant hurdle in their quest for continental glory.
Bayern's recent record against the Spanish giants provides added motivation for Goretzka. The German champions have failed to win any of their last eight meetings with Real Madrid in the Champions League, a statistic the midfielder is eager to overturn. "We haven’t had much success against Real recently. We’d very much like to turn around the statistics from recent years," he admitted.
Despite acknowledging Real Madrid's status as a world-class side with outstanding individual quality, Goretzka suggested their inconsistent form this season presents an opportunity. "They’ve had some very, very good – but also some bad – moments this season. At the moment, you never really know what you’ll get from them," he observed. However, he cautioned that experience shows they often elevate their performance in the Champions League, promising Bayern will be prepared.
Goretzka's impending departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both player and club. He joined Bayern from Schalke 04 in 2018 on a free transfer and has since made over 200 appearances, winning five consecutive Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020. His physical presence and box-to-box style have been a fixture in midfield, though his role has fluctuated under different managers.
His confirmation ends months of speculation about his future, with his contract situation a topic of discussion throughout the season. As a high-profile player approaching his peak years, he is expected to attract considerable interest on a free transfer this summer, with clubs across Europe's major leagues likely to be linked.
For now, Goretzka's immediate future is firmly tied to Bayern's pursuit of silverware. His decision to stay and fight for trophies, rather than secure his next move earlier, underscores his commitment to ending his six-year tenure in Munich on the highest possible note. The outcome of the coming weeks, starting with the clash against Real Madrid, will ultimately define the legacy of his final season.
