German giants Bayern Munich are on the verge of signing Schalke’s midfield sensation Leon Goretzka, according to reports from several sources in the German media.
The 22-year-old is contracted to the Ruhr giants till the end of the season, meaning he was available on a free transfer in the January transfer window with several European heavyweights interested in his services.
However, the Bavarians seem to have won the race for the signature of this highly touted German International, who is expected to make a big impact in the FIFA World Cup next year.
Here are three Premier League clubs who should have acted faster in order to sign Leon Goretzka and have now fluffed the chance of signing the highly rated midfielder.
Liverpool
Even though the Reds have already acquired the signature of RB Leipzig sensation Naby Keita, who could prove to be a stunning signing in the Premier League next season, they still lack some reinforcements in the midfield department.
Especially with star midfielders Emre Can and Philipe Coutinho constantly being on the end of some major speculations, the acquisition of someone like Leon Goretzka could have sufficed.
Leon Goretzka would have been an astonishing addition to Jurgen Klopp’s system, largely thanks to his all-around abilities in the centre of the park. Furthermore, the Naby Keita + Leon Goretzka duo would have been a perfect midfield combination to complement Liverpool’s stunning attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Manchester United
Manchester United is another club struggling with their lack of central midfielders this season. Although the pack of Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini might seem very good for any PL club, the Red Devils might face a lot of problems keeping them at the club, in the future.
Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera are both expected to leave the club next summer with Paul Pogba constantly suffering from injuries. Michael Carrick is not getting any younger either.
Therefore, the addition of Leon Goretzka might have been ideal for Jose Mourinho’s team, who desperately lacks stability in the centre of the park.
Chelsea
Chelsea have been one of the clubs greatly interested in the services of the German International. However, missing out on his services might prove to be very costly for the defending champions of England.
Despite securing the transfers of Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko, the Blues have suffered to assert their dominance in the middle third of the pitch.
They have been linked with moves for the likes of Ross Barkley and Sergi Roberto in recent weeks but the addition of Leon Goretzka would have been a significant upgrade in midfield. Furthermore, Antonio Conte’s athletic system would have allowed Goretzka settle quickly into the team.
Overall, the acquisition of Leon Goretzka would have been beneficiary to any team in the world right now. Considering how much he has improved in the past 12 months, one can easily imagine him leading the charts for world’s best midfielders within the coming years.
