Goretzka keen on Barcelona reunion with Flick but club focus lies elsewhere

Leon Goretzka has offered himself to Barcelona in the hope of reuniting with coach Hansi Flick, according to reports in Spain and Italy, but the Catalan club are currently prioritising other positions in the transfer market.

The 31-year-old midfielder left Bayern Munich at the end of last season when his contract expired and is now a free agent, able to sign without a transfer fee after six years in Munich.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Goretzka has made it clear he would like to join Barcelona and work again under Flick, who took charge at the Olympic Stadium this summer after previously coaching the Germany international at Bayern.

Goretzka and Flick won six trophies together in Bavaria, with the midfielder forming part of the side that dominated domestically and in Europe during the German coach’s tenure.

However, journalist Matteo Moretto of Marca is quoted as saying that strengthening central midfield is not at the top of Barcelona’s wishlist for the new season, despite Goretzka’s availability.

Midfield not seen as immediate need

Barcelona’s priorities in the current window are understood to lie in attack and defence rather than in the centre of the pitch.

Mundo Deportivo reports that the club’s main objective is to sign a recognised centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski, who has left the club, and to bring in a central defender.

That stance comes even though Frenkie de Jong is currently sidelined with a knee injury. The Dutchman’s absence has not pushed Barcelona towards a midfield signing, with the Catalan side believed to be prepared to rely on in-house options such as Marc Casado.

Moretto’s assessment suggests that, while Goretzka’s profile and past relationship with Flick are appreciated, Barcelona’s budget and attention remain focused elsewhere as they try to reshape the squad following key departures.

Free agent after final Bayern campaign

Goretzka joined Bayern Munich from Schalke in 2018 and went on to become a central figure in their midfield, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and enjoying success in the Champions League under Flick.

In his final season with the Bavarian club, the Germany international contributed five goals and five assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.

Those numbers, together with his experience at the highest level, have ensured he remains in demand across Europe following the expiry of his contract.

Milan pushing for deal

While Barcelona weigh up their options, interest in Goretzka from Serie A appears more concrete.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has previously reported that Milan are pushing to sign the midfielder and that negotiations are progressing positively.

Di Marzio’s information indicates that Milan have moved more decisively than Barcelona so far, with talks between the Italian club and the player’s camp advancing as they look to strengthen their own midfield options.

With Goretzka currently unattached and open to a reunion with Flick at Barcelona, his future is likely to hinge on whether the Catalan club reconsider their stance on midfield recruitment or whether Milan’s ongoing efforts lead to an agreement in Italy.