There’s a possibility of a reunion for Leon Goretzka with a former teammate from FC Bayern Munich. According to The Athletic, Chicago Fire from the US Major League Soccer (MLS) has expressed interest in the German international.
Following the non-extension of his contract in Munich after eight years with the club, Goretzka will be available on a free transfer this summer as his contract expires at the end of this month.
In recent weeks and months, the 31-year-old has been linked with numerous top European clubs. A move to AC Milan seemed almost certain until the Rossoneri lost out on Champions League qualification on the final matchday of Serie A. This setback led to the dismissal of the entire sporting management, including coach Massimiliano Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare, both of whom were strong proponents of signing the German.
Besides Milan, Atletico Madrid was particularly interested in acquiring Goretzka on a free transfer. Reports suggest that in the winter, the Rojiblancos even offered a small transfer fee to Bayern to secure the central midfielder immediately. However, Goretzka himself rejected this move to finish the season with Bayern.
Robert Lewandowski Also a Potential Target for Chicago Fire
Should a move to Chicago materialize, Goretzka would follow in the footsteps of Bayern legend Bastian Schweinsteiger, who wore the Fire jersey between 2017 and 2020 after his departure from Munich and a year-and-a-half spell at Manchester United.
Furthermore, Goretzka could reunite with another former FCB teammate. According to media reports, Chicago is also interested in signing Robert Lewandowski, who is also available on a free transfer after his contract with FC Barcelona ends.
Negotiations are reportedly more advanced with Lewandowski, with the Polish striker and his agent Pini Zahavi already on their way to the USA for concrete discussions with representatives of the MLS club.
However, this potential double signing faces a challenge. If Lewandowski joins Chicago Fire, there would be no available slot for a ‘Designated Player,’ as per The Athletic. Each team is allowed only three such players, whose salaries can exceed the league’s general cap.