SBOTOP: West Ham and Manchester United Eye Leon Goretzka Amid Bayern Munich Frustrations

West Ham United and Manchester United are reportedly both keen on signing Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, who has expressed his dissatisfaction at Bayern Munich after losing his starting place. The 29-year-old has been a pivotal figure in the Bundesliga powerhouse’s midfield in recent years, but recent developments under manager Thomas Tuchel have left him sidelined, sparking interest from Premier League clubs.

With Goretzka’s situation at Bayern growing increasingly uncertain, both West Ham and Manchester United are looking to capitalize on the potential availability of a player who has long been regarded as one of Germany’s finest midfield talents. His experience and versatility make him an attractive option for both clubs as they seek to strengthen their midfield options.

Goretzka’s Frustration at Bayern Munich

Leon Goretzka’s fall from grace at Bayern Munich has been a surprising development, given his instrumental role in the club’s success over the past several seasons. Since joining Bayern from Schalke 04 in 2018, Goretzka has played a key role in multiple Bundesliga title victories, as well as the club’s triumphant 2019-2020 Champions League campaign.

However, under current Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel, Goretzka has found himself increasingly marginalized. New signings, tactical shifts, and a reshuffling of the squad have all contributed to his reduced playing time. The arrival of players like Konrad Laimer and the rise of younger midfield talents such as Jamal Musiala have left Goretzka fighting for minutes.

Despite his best efforts, Leon Goretzka has struggled to regain a regular starting spot, prompting reports that the German international is unhappy with his situation. At 29 years old, Goretzka is entering the prime of his career, and sitting on the bench is far from the ideal scenario for a player of his caliber.

West Ham’s Interest to Goretzka

West Ham United’s interest in Leon Goretzka comes as the club looks to build on its recent success and establish itself as a consistent force in both the Premier League and Europe. The Hammers won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, marking a significant milestone for the club under manager David Moyes. However, West Ham is keen to continue improving, especially after the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal over the summer.

Goretzka’s potential arrival would provide West Ham with a ready-made replacement for Rice and add a wealth of experience to their midfield. The German’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively would suit Moyes’ system, particularly with his eye for goal and knack for arriving in the box from deep positions.

Furthermore, Goretzka’s leadership and experience at the highest levels of football, including the Champions League and international tournaments, would make him a valuable asset as West Ham navigates the rigors of the Premier League and European competition.

Manchester United: Midfield Reinforcements Needed

Manchester United’s interest in Goretzka comes amid their ongoing search for midfield reinforcements. Despite spending heavily in recent transfer windows, manager Erik ten Hag is still looking to address key areas in his squad, with the midfield being a priority. United have experienced mixed fortunes this season, and the lack of a commanding presence in the center of the pitch has been a noticeable issue.

Goretzka’s physicality, box-to-box abilities, and technical prowess would make him an ideal addition to United’s midfield. His versatility would allow him to operate in multiple roles, whether as a deeper-lying midfielder alongside Casemiro or as a more advanced player contributing to the attack.

United’s current midfield options, including Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro, are talented but have lacked the balance needed for consistent success. Goretzka’s all-around skillset would provide ten Hag with greater flexibility and depth, particularly in games where the team needs more control in the middle of the park.