Schalke still hope to keep Goretzka despite Bayern Munich interest

Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka is wanted by German giants Bayern Munich. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP

Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka is wanted by German giants Bayern Munich. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP

Published Jan 4, 2018

Share

DUSSELDORF – Schalke are hoping Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka will stay at the club despite interest from record Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Sport director Christian Heidel said he had been assured by Goretzka’s adviser there had been neither a verbal nor written agreement between Goretzka and Bayern.

In a report on the club’s homepage on Thursday, Heidel said he was hoping both Goretzka and midfielder Max Meyer would sign new contracts at Schalke before their current deals expire at the end of the season.

“It’s important to us to be open and honest with each other. We trust Leon and his adviser. I do not have the impression that we are being fooled,” Heidel was quoted as saying at the team’s training camp in Benidorm, Spain.

Schalke are hoping for a decision on 22-year-old Goretzka this month.

“It’s not easy for the lad because many good clubs are interested in him. But he also knows what he has at Schalke,” Heidel said.

Heidel said comments from Bayern Munich sports director Hasan Salihamidzic confirming on Wednesday the club’s interest in signing Goretzka were “unnecessary”.

Schalke are second in the Bundesliga, 11 points behind Bayern. They travel to fifth-placed RB Leipzig on January 13 when the Bundesliga resumes following a short winter break.

dpa

Related Topics: