Schalke's Leon Goretzka to join Bayern Munich in summer
Germany cap Goretzka will join Bayern at the end of the season, disappointing a host of other clubs across Europe, including Liverpool.
Leon Goretzka has passed a medical and agreed a deal to sign for Bayern Munich from Schalke 04 at the end of the season, it has been announced. Goretzka would have been out of contract at Schalke at the end of the current campaign and while the club tried to keep him in Gelsenkirchen, it was always likely he would move on.
Goretzka signs four-year Bayern Munich contract
Goretzka has penned a four-year contract with Bayern running from July 2018 to June 2022, with the Bavarians' executive board chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, telling the club's website: "We're very pleased Leon Goretzka, a Germany international with great potential, has decided in favour of FC Bayern despite big-name international competitors. This way Leon Goretzka remains in the Bundesliga."
Bayern pip Liverpool to Goretzka
Bayern declared their desire to take the 22-year-old to Munich last week, Rummenigge stating they would be "crazy" if they did not consider signing a free agent Germany international. And the lure of playing at the Allianz Arena has proved key, despite reported interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus.
Goretzka loss "a big blow" says Schalke director
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game with Hannover, Schalke 04 sporting director Christian Heidel told reporters: "Leon Goretzka has earlier this week informed us that he would like to leave the club and join Bayern Munich. We noted that with regret. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has told us that Leon has passed his medical. We are losing a very good player. He has signed a contract from July 1, 2018 with Bayern. We did everything possible to keep Leon."
Losing Goretzka is a blow to Schalke but Heidel insists they were "prepared" for it to happen. He added: "Last summer there was no agreement with him and his agent. He wanted more time to see the sporting development. We can deal with this situation, it was not a total surprise. We are prepared."
Schalke coach Domenico Tedesco described Goretzka as a "fundamental part of the squad" but urged fans to support the midfielder over the remaining months of his contract, starting at the weekend. He said: "We are sad and disappointed that we lose Leon as a player and as a human. But we have to accept this decision. There is no question that Leon is a fundamental part of this squad. We hope the fans don't react negatively on Sunday. Our fans have always supported the team and Leon is a part of that team for the rest of the season. Leon is a professional and he will continue to give everything for Schalke. He remains a vital player for us."