Bayern Munich have a monopoly on the best German talent, and it seems they’ve won the race for Schalke’s young star Leon Goretzka, too.
Calciomercato are reporting that despite interest from Juventus and Liverpool, Goretzka wants to stay in his homeland and join the perennial Bundesliga champions – who have already made contact.
The 22-year-old’s contract expires next summer and he has no intention of renewing terms, meaning that he’s expected to depart Schalke on a free.
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As a central midfielder with physical and technical attributes, Goretzka on a free transfer would have been terrific business for Liverpool – who ourselves are looking increasingly likely to lose Emre Can the same way.
Our own German star isn’t putting pen to paper either, with player and club at loggerheads over the inclusion of a release-clause in the prospective deal.
Liverpool don’t want one as it means rivals will be able to steal him for less than market value, but Can is in the position of power as at the moment, we’ll lose him for nothing.
At least Liverpool did beat Bayern to Naby Keita. The Germans were interested in Rb Leipzig’s 22-year-old sensation, but wouldn’t pay the transfer fee it required to capture his services.
As a result, he’s joining us next summer, or maybe in January if we agree to pay a further premium and Rb allow it.