Latest developments
- Bayern Munich looking to get rid of Leon Goretzka
- Manchester United show interest in midfielder
- Red Devils want to prise the German away in January
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (5/5): Florian Plettenberg rarely wrong
Manchester United are reportedly looking to make a move for Bayern Munich's out-of-favour midfielder Leon Goretzka during the January transfer window. The Red Devils are unhappy with the levels shown by summer signing Manuel Ugarte and are now looking to hand Ruben Amorim new ammunition in the form of a midfielder.
Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg has reported that Manchester United's interest in Goretzka is for the January 2025 transfer window rather than the 2025 summer transfer window. However, the journalist reports that Goretzka is not interested in leaving Bayern Munich this January.
Plettenberg is considered as one of the best when it comes to German football's transfer news. As such, any reports from the German journalist can be believed in almost all cases.
Value (3.5/5): Wages could be an issue for INEOS
No transfer fee or range has been discussed in any reports so far. However, it is likely that the potential transfer fee won't exceed €30 million (£25m) in any case as Goretzka has not been in the best of form over the last year and only has a contract at Allianz Arena until the summer of 2026.
His salary, however, could be an issue as the German is said to be earning close to £288k-a-week at Bayern Munich. It is a very high wage for someone who would not be a certain starter at Manchester United and could be a stumbling block.
Suitability (4/5): A physical midfielder the need of the hour
Goretzka has shown a lot of form under managers who demand physical exertion, such as Hansi Flick, and with Ruben Amorim's philosophy demanding players to work hard off the ball, the German could settle right into the squad.
Goretzka would give Manchester United a pair of legs that could run around the field and potentially undertake the dirty work, enabling the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to push further up the field when needed.
Upgrade? (4/5): Casemiro's time is up, Ugarte a failed experiment
Manchester United have struggled with proactivity in their midfield with Casemiro's legs having long left him and Ugarte's lack of understanding of defensive structures has left them short of options so far.
While Goretzka has not been a major part of Bayern Munich's operations under Vincent Kompany, the one thing that can be expected from a player of Goretzka's abilities, he will give the team his all until his legs give in.
Logic (4/5): A new hope for out-of-favour Gortezka
Goretzka's career at Allianz Arena has clearly matured as Kompany has preferred to put his faith in other midfielders. As such, a move to Manchester United to play a part in Amorim's plans to save the club's dwindling form has to be an enticing offer for the German.
As for the Red Devils, Goretzka may not be the best option available on the market but he is not the worst option given their current midfield's proclivity to explode at any given time.
Whisper+ final verdict – 20.5 /25
Goretzka's potential move to Manchester United could have more positive implications than most Red Devils fans could expect. While the German may not be the best ball player or dribbler in the squad, his physicality will be a massive boost to the team.
It will allow the likes of Fernandes and Mainoo to push further up to help the attack without worrying about tracking back immediately, as they currently have to do with Casemiro.
However, the biggest hurdle will be Goretzka's wages and the German's willingness to move to Old Trafford in January.
