Gianluca Di Marzio sees Leon Goretzka potentially moving to the Turkish league

Further interested parties in the running

Despite this assessment, Goretzka is still negotiating with several clubs, according to information from his entourage. In addition to Aston Villa from the English Premier League, Atlético Madrid and clubs from Portugal are reportedly also in the running. A move to one of the mentioned top European leagues is therefore still not off the table.

The Turkish Süper Lig has increasingly attracted international players with generous salary offers in recent years. Clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, or Beşiktaş specifically invest in well-known professionals to strengthen their own sporting public image. For Goretzka, who has played at the highest European level for years, such a step would be surprising – but lucrative.

In parallel, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano also reports that talks with the European interested parties are ongoing. Romano is considered one of the most reliable sources in international football business and has been closely monitoring the market around Goretzka since his contract expired.

Why Turkey is financially attractive

For Goretzka himself, beyond the sporting perspective, it is primarily about the contract terms. As a free agent, he can prioritize the financial and personal framework conditions when choosing his new employer. Sportingly ambitious projects in Spain or England are just as much up for consideration as financially well-positioned clubs in Turkey.

According to its own statements, Aston Villa continues to pursue the goal of strengthening its squad in the Premier League. Should Goretzka decide against a move to the island, the club from Birmingham would be left with only the search for an alternative. Atlético Madrid could also extend its feelers for another experienced midfielder.

In the coming weeks, it will become clear which sporting arguments ultimately weigh more heavily – the sporting perspective in a top European league or the financial package from the Süper Lig. Until then, the negotiations behind the scenes remain the most exciting aspect of this transfer story.

Outlook on a decision

Even if a move to Turkey seems unusual at first glance, it would not be a sporting step down for Goretzka. The Turkish league offers competitive structures, high media attention, and most recently also successes in European competition. An engagement there could also set new impulses for his career after FC Bayern.

One thing is certain: until a decision is announced, Goretzka will remain one of the most watched free-agent professionals on the international transfer market. The speculation will likely accompany him until the end of the current transfer period.