Manchester United step up interest to sign 29-year-old Bundesliga star: Reports
Manchester United have accelerated their plans to sign Bayern Munich midfiedler Leon Goretzka, according to TEAMtalk. The German midfielder has dropped down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena this season under Vincent Kompany.
Goretzka has appeared nine times across competitions this season for the Bavarians, registering one goal. However, the 29-year-old has been in the starting XI just once.
Goretzka will enter the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga giants at the end of this season. Bayern Munich, as such, may be open to his departure next summer for a nominal fee.
Despite his struggled at the Allianz Arena, the player's stock remains high. The German international is in his prime and still has a lot of football left in him.
Manchester United are now ready to offer him a chance to get his career back on track. The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the player and are ready to go for the kill next year.
The Premier League giants are preparing to ushed in a new era under Ruben Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford this week. Manchester United are 13th in the league table after 11 games, and the Portuguese manager is likely to turn to the market to get them back on track.
Leon Goretzka can add physicality to the middle of the park, while his technical prowess could also be an asset under Amorim. A move to Old Trafford could also appeal to the player. However, the Red Devils are yet to submit an official offer for the German midfielder.
Could Casemiro and Christian Eriksen leave Manchester United in 2025?
Manchester United's interest in Leon Goretzka could stem from the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. It remains to be seen whether the veteran duo fit Ruben Amorim's plans
The Danish midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with the Red Devils and hasn't been handed an extension yet. Eriksen has been in and out of the starting XI this season, but has scored four goals and set up three more from 13 games across competitions. Nine of those have been starts.
Casemiro, meanwhile, showed signs of regression last season and was linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer. The Brazilian has been in resurgent form in the last few games, but is among the highest paid players at Manchester United. The 32-year-old's contract at the club expires in 2026.