Leon Goretzka must be one of the hottest names in the soccer rumor mill in Europe right now.
The Schalke 04 star and current Germany international has risen to stardom over the past 12 months. He was an integral piece of Germany’s title run in the 2017 Confederations Cup. He also seems a lock to be part of Die Mannschaft’s squad in the World Cup next year. As if that wasn’t enough, he has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the entire Bundesliga. To put things into context, Goretzka shines in a league that also features players such as Naby Keita, Arturo Vidal, Julian Weigl and Mario Götze, among others.
As such, it is not a surprise to see several teams interested in his services. Goretzka already said a few months ago he is not going to renew his current deal with Schalke, so there are lots of teams already enquiring about the German’s availability. Manchester City, Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona have emerged as possibilities. And all of them would be lucky to sign the 22-year-old. The biggest question shouldn’t be which team chooses, though. It should be where he fits best.
Rest assured, Goretzka could fit in any of the aforementioned teams as a starter right away. He is a talented playmaker with an impressive passing range and a quality first touch. But his playing style certainly fits better in the English Premier League. He has the height, the strength, and the pace to make an instant impact on English soil.
One could say Barcelona or Bayern Munich are better – or bigger – teams. But Goretzka might not fit in La Liga’s slower pace, and he has nothing left to prove in the Bundesliga. He is ready to take on another challenge to a whole new level. And the Premier League should welcome him with arms wide open.
Expect City and United to engage in a bidding war for his services. He would fit perfectly in Pep Guardiola’s system as a holding midfielder, although he would also thrive as a central midfielder alongside the likes of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in Manchester United. But frankly, the possibilities are endless with a player of his quality.
The one thing we know is that he would be a great fit in the Premier League. Now we need to know which jersey he will be using in a few months.