5 Possible Destinations for Leon Goretzka

From Julian Draxler to Leroy Sané, Gelsenkirchen outfit Schalke 04 are renowned for producing excellent young players; they are perhaps even more well-known for letting them go. The latest in the long-line of superb Schalke youth-products set to depart is midfield dynamo Leon Goretzka.

The versatile 22-year-old has seen his value soar over the past few seasons and is on the brink of a move away. The German international's contract expires next summer and, following his rejection of Schalke's renewal offer, it is likely that the club will look to cash-in on their main man in January to avoid allowing the midfielder to leave on a free several months later.

Naturally, clubs are circling like sharks at the prospect of snapping up world-class talent for a likely discounted price. Unfortunately for them, there is an awful lot of competition for Goretzka's signature.

Here's a look at five possible clubs Goretzka could find himself at very soon...

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#1 Manchester United

Mourinho may want to add Goretzka to United's star-studded midfield

It's remarkably difficult to scroll through headlines about Leon Goretzka without seeing the 22-year-old discussed in conjunction with the Red Devils. José Mourinho has slowly but surely assembled a side comprised of a solid spine, but Goretzka would only add more world-class talent to the United contingent.

Last weekend, Goretzka's current side Schalke came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Revier-Derby rivals Borussia Dortmund and the German international was instrumental in the revival, coming on at 33 minutes, when Schalke were yet to score. Despite his youthfulness, Goretzka grabbed his side by the scruff of their neck and lead by example.

Not only is he influential from the bench, but he is a born leader and Manchester United may have the talented Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera to call on in the middle, but they are still in need of a long-term replacement for the likes of Michael Carrick. Goretzka would orchestrate every move of United's and would be an excellent, composed force through the middle.

#2 Bayern Munich

Could Goretzka partner Arturo Vidal in Bayern's midfield?

Having seen the likes of Niklas Süle and Sebastien Rudy make the moves to Bayern Munich this summer, one has come to expect home-grown talent to immediately head to Bavaria the moment the German giants come calling. Leon Goretzka will likely have a host of offers from abroad this January, but if he fancies a move within his home nation, he can count on Bayern tabling a bid.

Following Borussia Dortmund's gradual demise, Bayern Munich have slowly ascended the ranks to lead the Bundesliga once again, but their lead at the top was trimmed following a 2-1 defeat away to Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend. The German top-flight is thus looking as unpredictable as ever and a few key signings like Goretzka would certainly steady the ship for the Munich outfit.

The German international has 100 Bundesliga appearances to his name currently and understands the tactical idiosyncrasies of the division. Bayern have often operated in a 4-3-3 set-up this term and the middle three is one of the most competitive regions of the pitch; Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara and Arturo Vidal have all played across different roles in the midfield. The addition of Goretzka would more than likely improve the situation rather than complicate it, given that his varied skill set renders him suited to any position from a holding role to a more advanced, attacking one.

#3 Arsenal

Goretzka may be the ideal replacement for Mesut Özil

Prior to the pair's emphatic displays in the 5-0 win over Huddersfield on Wednesday night, both Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez were in the headlines, after it was confirmed by Arsene Wenger that Arsenal would not let the duo depart this January.

That does not mean however that they are certain to be parading an Arsenal strip next season; the chances are, at present, that both will leave on frees next summer. Therefore, perhaps more than any other side, Arsenal have been linked heavily with Schalke's Leon Goretzka as a potential replacement for Mesut Özil.

The 22-year-old would have multiple options if he were to move to the Emirates. He has developed namely as a holding midfielder and could therefore be an improvement on the likes of Francis Coquelin or Mohamed Elneny to partner either Aaron Ramsey or Granit Xhaka.

On the other hand, Goretzka has four goals to his name in the Bundesliga term and has thus proven he can operate in more of an attacking role. With this in mind, Goretzka could occupy the number ten role if Arsenal revert back to their old 4-2-3-1 system, or just sit back in a deeper role in the 5-2-3 set-up adopted by Wenger more recently.

#4 Juventus

Allegri and co. could do with a midfield revamp

It's fair to say that of the big five leagues in Europe, Serie A has been the most enthralling this season and that's partly down to the minor slump of Allegri's Juventus. The Old Lady currently sit third in the division, four points adrift of top-of-the-table Napoli.

Eyebrows would be raised at the suggestion that Juventus need reinforcements in their midfield, but it seems the Serie A champions are eyeing moves for both Leon Goretzka and his German counterpart Emre Can next summer, when both will likely be out of contract, if not snapped up in January beforehand.

Allegri already has the likes of Marchisio, Matuidi, Pjanic, Khedira and Bentacur to call on in midfield, so why the sudden need to bring in new middle-men? Well, Claudio Marchisio has been sidelined for much of the season so far with a knee-injury and, at nearly 32-years-old, is unlikely to recapture his best form again. Matuidi (30) and Khedira (30) are also getting on and, despite some good performances in front of goal from the latter, they are both flagging somewhat in terms of their formerly unprecedented physical attributes.

Goretzka would likely reinvigorate the Juventus midfield with an urgency to press forward coupled with a good defensive knowledge and, partnered with a similar-minded Miralem Pjanic, the German could be very dangerous in Serie A indeed.

#5 FC Barcelona

André Gomes could very well be on his way out of the Nou Camp next summer

FC Barcelona's game has always been about a conglomerate of tactical perfectionists and expert midfielders and they are still seeking much the same. The Blaugrana have been formidable in the league this term, leading La Liga by four points at present, having won 11 of their opening 13 matches.

Under the stewardship of Ernesto Valverde, the Catalan club have become a more industrious side, often operating in a 4-4-2 set-up, with the wide-players contributing at both ends of the pitch. This system is evidently strong enough to break the majority of La Liga clubs down, but perhaps more star quality is needed in midfield for Barcelona to return to their former European glories.

Andre Gomes has disappointed at the Nou Camp since joining from Valencia in the summer of 2016, having made just a single league assist in his time with Barcelona so far. The Portuguese starlet was expected to be a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta who is fast approaching the close of his incredible career.

With Gomes being so heavily linked with a move away from the Blaugrana, they may soon need to find themselves a well-rounded central midfielder with an eye for a pass and great footballing intelligence - Goretzka would fit the bill perfectly. The German international can play at a high intensity and has experience of top-level European and international football at a pretty young age, so do not be surprised if he is targeted by the La Liga leaders.