Bayern Munich Tries to Push Goretzka Out, But He Resists MLS Move

There’s been a lot of buzz around the idea of Leon Goretzka heading to MLS, but for the veteran Bayern Munich midfielder, that move feels more like a retirement plan than a fresh start. Despite Bayern’s apparent determination to clear him off the roster, Goretzka remains unmoved, refusing to hop across the pond to play in the States.

This quiet struggle between Goretzka and Bayern Munich plays out like a chess match—Bayern’s trying to move him off the board, but Goretzka isn’t willing to be a pawn in their game. And what makes this standoff even more interesting is that, even though MLS is growing, it still doesn’t represent the dream for a player who, not too long ago, was a key figure in Bayern’s success. So why is Bayern so eager to push him toward a destination he’s clearly not sold on?

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

To get what’s going on, we need to rewind a bit. Leon Goretzka was once crucial for Bayern. Alongside Joshua Kimmich, he formed one of Europe’s most feared midfield duos, controlling the ball and dictating the pace with mastery. But lately, his importance has waned. Bayern’s current manager seems to have other plans for the midfield, and Goretzka, once a star, now finds himself on the outside looking in.

Here’s where MLS comes into the picture—not exactly as a solution, though. While there’s interest from American clubs, Goretzka isn’t ready to give up on European soccer just yet. It’s like he’s a poker player holding onto cards he knows still have value, refusing to fold while the game’s still on. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool—these are the clubs that Goretzka has his eye on. And it makes perfect sense. He knows his career still has a few good years left at the highest level, and while MLS is growing in prestige, it doesn’t offer the challenge he’s after.

But Bayern Munich seems almost impatient. It feels like they’re trying to do what we’ve seen with players like Mesut Özil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang—usher them out before things get messy in the locker room. But the truth is, that approach often backfires. Bayern’s trying to clear space on the roster, probably for new signings, but rushing to offload Goretzka could end up costing them. Players of his caliber aren’t easily replaced. And if Bayern’s not careful, they might lose a valuable asset without securing a worthy replacement.

Would a move to MLS really be the best option for Goretzka? In short, no. Sure, soccer in America is on the rise, and some big names have ventured there, but for Goretzka, it’d feel more like a “career wind-down” than a step forward. Players like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and even Lionel Messi chose MLS at different stages of their careers, but they all had one thing in common: they’d already given their best in Europe. For Goretzka, though, there’s still a sense that he’s got more to offer at the highest competitive level. MLS might be tempting for some, but for Goretzka, it represents an early fade into the background.

On the flip side, Bayern Munich might be making the mistake of underestimating Goretzka’s remaining value. Sure, he’s not at his peak anymore, but it’s in times like this that great clubs show their wisdom by reintegrating experienced players and using them in specific situations. Bayern’s not exactly swimming in midfield options. If Goretzka leaves—especially for MLS—Bayern might find themselves regretting it sooner rather than later, especially if he ends up revitalized at one of Europe’s giants.

And it’s not just about what Bayern could lose on the field—it’s about the message it sends. A club as prestigious as Bayern Munich has to be careful not to appear as if it treats its players like disposable assets. Goretzka, with his history and contributions, deserves more than being pushed toward a league where the focus often leans more toward marketing than technical performance.

Goretzka’s not interested in taking the easy road. He wants to compete with the best, play in the most iconic stadiums, and face the toughest challenges. MLS, for him, would be a strategic retreat away from the big European leagues. And who can blame him for that? Goretzka’s doing what any player in his position would do—waiting for the right opportunity, refusing to buckle under club pressure or accept an exit that doesn’t fit his goals. MLS might be the right destination for many, but it’s not for Leon Goretzka. And if Bayern Munich isn’t careful, they might be making a mistake that big clubs only realize when it’s too late. Goretzka’s still got plenty of soccer left in him, and MLS, tempting as it may be, just doesn’t fit into that plan.