Man Utd can end nine-year transfer chase and save millions this summer | Football | Sport

Manchester United could finally secure the signature of Leon Goretzka this summer. The midfielder is due to depart Bayern Munich when his contract concludes at the end of this season.

The Red Devils first expressed interest in 2017, but the German international chose to move from Schalke to Bayern Munich instead of the Premier League. Links to Goretzka have consistently resurfaced during his tenure in Bavaria.

Seven-and-a-half years on, this eighth season will be his final one with Bayern. The club announced four days before the transfer deadline that Goretzka will exit at the close of this season rather than in the winter window.

Goretzka acknowledges that clubs were eager to sign him in January. However, he states: “As much as I am honoured by the interest from international top clubs, I have made a clear decision for myself to remain at FC Bayern until the end of the season.

“At the same time, the club and I have decided in good and constructive talks that our successful time together will come to an end in the summer. As I have said before, this is also the right moment for me to open a new chapter once again, both as a footballer and as a person.”

Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, has also confirmed Goretzka’s departure. He stated: “In the last few weeks, we have intensified the talks and spoken openly about what his further path will be in the summer – in the summer, his time at FC Bayern will come to an end.

“By then, he will have spent eight years here, extremely successful, extremely strong in the way he has conducted himself as a person and as a player. But before that, he will fight with us so that we still have some good weeks ahead.”

However, the midfielder is also linked with several clubs across Europe. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly keen, with Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, having previously worked with Goretzka at Bayern and the German national team.

Italian media suggest that Inter, Juventus, Milan and Napoli are keeping tabs on the player’s situation. Turkish outfits Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are also said to be interested.