Barcelona denies negotiations with Leon Goretzka amid transfer rumors

Every summer transfer window has its phantom deals. Leon Goretzka to Barcelona was shaping up to be exactly that, until Barcelona went ahead and said what clubs rarely bother saying: no, we’re not talking to him. As of July 26, FC Barcelona has confirmed they are not in active negotiations with the German international. Goretzka, who became a free agent after his contract with Bayern Munich expired on June 30, is still searching for his next club. Why the rumors made sense, and why they fell apart The speculation wasn’t entirely baseless. Goretzka spent years at Bayern Munich playing under Hansi Flick, who now coaches Barcelona. Reports also suggested Goretzka had a preference for La Liga, which narrowed the destination shortlist in a way that made Barcelona feel inevitable. Club sources have made clear that Goretzka is simply not a priority target for Barcelona this summer. Juventus emerges as the frontrunner While Barcelona steps out of the picture, Juventus has reportedly stepped in with something more concrete. The Italian club has held discussions with Goretzka’s camp and tabled an offer that includes a €7 million net annual salary along with a €10 million signing bonus. He’s ...