Goretzka’s next move: free-agent midfielder linked with Ajax
Ajax’s technical director Jordi Cruijff remains active at the club in August, with the Amsterdam side still searching for a new midfield controller.
The names of Edson Álvarez (West Ham United) and Patrick Berg (FK Bodø/Glimt) had already been linked with Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but now Leon Goretzka is suddenly being connected to the traditional Eredivisie powerhouse.
Goretzka has made 312 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich since 2018, but his contract expired at the Allianz Arena at the end of the 2025-2026 season. The 31-year-old midfielder is therefore a free agent, making him relatively inexpensive to sign. During his time at Bayern he earned €13 million per season as a 73-time Germany international, so his wage demands will not be modest.
Cruijff may now turn to compatriots already recruited to Amsterdam, Julian Brandt and Marc-André ter Stegen, to help persuade Goretzka to join the ArenA. Brandt told the Dutch press: “The project Jordi Cruijff is building here—at Ajax, with its rich history—really appeals to me. I want to be part of it.” He added: “The quality of the facilities is extraordinary. You rarely see that in Germany. What Ajax has built here is impressive. It commands respect.”
The former Borussia Dortmund player is effusive about his new club: “It’s pleasant to join a group where so much is already in place. The squad is tight-knit, with plenty of talent and experience, which makes integration easier. The technical staff are excellent too. Everything is new—new faces, new structures, a new country—so there’s an adjustment, but I’m really enjoying it here. It’s a wonderful place.”
According to Brandt, Cruijff may also be able to convince Goretzka: “You could see the fire in his eyes when he talked about the project and what he wants to achieve with Ajax. At the same time, he was realistic. He didn’t just describe how great the plans are; he also stressed that we’ll have to work extremely hard for it. Nothing is handed to you.”
FootballTransfers has Goretzka linked with Ajax, though Juventus and FC Barcelona are also reportedly interested. The report states: “While at Juventus Goretzka would compete with Khéphren Thuram, Douglas Luiz and Manuel Locatelli, and at FC Barcelona with Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and the youngsters Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal (Rodri is likely to join them, ed.), at Ajax he would be by far the best midfielder in the squad. With his experience and quality, he would logically be the first-choice option in Amsterdam.”