Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Tuesday, January 27, 2026 23:12 / Updated Tuesday, January 27, 2026 23:16
In the last hundred meters of the transfer window, which ends on Monday in the major championships, Atletico Madrid are trying to make a major transfer and bring Leon Goretka, from Bayern Munich.
The main priority identified by Diego Simeone and his technical staff is the acquisition of a midfielder, especially after the departure of Conor Gallagher. In this sense, Madrid have intensified negotiations for Leon Goretzka from Bayern, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Bayern Munich demand 20 million euros for Leon Goretkaza
The Bavarian club are demanding around €20 million for the 30-year-old Germany international, whose contract expires in June this year. Atletico consider the sum excessive given that Goretzka will not renew and will become free of contract at the end of the season.
However, in order to avoid a summer auction with clubs with greater financial power, the Spanish publication reports that an immediate purchase in the winter transfer window would involve paying a sum of money.
Goretzka is seen as an experienced player, competitive and accustomed to the demands of a top club, ready to start immediately. He stands out for his high passing accuracy, forays into the box and finishing ability, qualities that led to comparisons with Michael Ballack early in his career while playing for Schalke 04.
Although no longer an undisputed starter at Bayern, the midfielder has played in 18 Bundesliga games this season, scoring one goal. His versatility allows him to play in several midfield positions.
For the same position, the sports management of Madrid has other alternatives in its sights, such as Ederson (Atalanta), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Javi Guerra (Valencia), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal) and Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen).
On the attacking front, Kang-in Lee's transfer was rejected by PSG, which is why Ademola Lookman's name is coming back into focus. The interest in the Nigerian winger from Atalanta, which already existed last summer, could be reactivated depending on the future of the Italian team in the Champions League.
