MANCHESTER UNITED’s hopes of signing Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka have been dashed after he reportedly agreed a new contract with the club.
The 26-year-old, who had been high on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wishlist, will remain with the German giants until 2026 according to Goal journalist Ronan Murphy.
The former Schalke star, who netted ten times and provided nine assists in 39 starts for Bayern in all competitions last season, was on Solskjaer’s radar since July.
The Norwegian was lining him up as a potential replacement for contract rebel Paul Pogba whose future is up in the air.
And as Goretzka, who had one more year on his contract was stalling on penning a new deal with Bayern, United were ready to swoop in and sign him on the cheap.
But Bayern weren’t willing to let their star midfielder go and boss Julian Nagelsmann told Goretzka that he wanted him to stay at the Allianz Arena.
During the speculation about United’s interest, he said: “Of course I have talked to him about my plans for him.
“I’ve told him I’d be happy if he extended and I’m also confident.
“I’ll continue to focus on the sports side of things and show him he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. He has potential to get even better.”
The Red Devils hoped that the German international would’ve helped morphed them into title winners, similar to the alteration that his own physique went through.
The Champions League winner transformed himself during lockdown to add even more bulk to his already envious figure.
He stunned his team-mates by putting on several pounds of extra muscle during his time at home.
And he’s already put his new strength to good use by helping Bayern lift the Champions League last summer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
