Juventus in talks to sign Goretzka despite €10m bonus demand
Quick summary
Juventus are advancing negotiations to sign free agent Leon Goretzka, but the midfielder is demanding €10m in signing bonuses, complicating the deal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJuventus are in talks with free agent Leon Goretzka , who is reportedly asking for €7m per season wages and a €10m signing on fee, with the Chicago Fire also interested.
The midfielder had been expected to come to Serie A for Milan and practically had an agreement with them locked down, but that all changed when Max Allegri was fired to be replaced by Ruben Amorim.
Goretzka looking for next club MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Tim Kleindienst of Germany celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala and Leon Goretzka during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) The Germany international became a free agent when his contract with Bayern Munich was allowed to run down last month.
Still only 31 years of age and fresh from participating in the 2026 World Cup with his country, Goretzka remains an appetising figure for many clubs.
That includes Major League Soccer side the Chicago Fire, although he hopes to still make his mark in European football.
According to Calciomercato , Juventus directors are back in contact with Goretzka’s representatives to discuss personal terms.
It’s not going to be a cheap operation, because although he is technically ‘free’ there is the demand for a €10m signing-on bonus, on top of the massive €7m per season net wages.
He is considered to be an alternative to Franck Kessie, who is also out of contract with Al-Hilal and asking for €5m per season wages, but a longer three-year deal.
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What happened
Juventus have reignited talks to sign Leon Goretzka, currently a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich. However, the German midfielder is reportedly demanding €10m in signing bonuses spread over multiple years, which Juventus are reluctant to meet. The two clubs previously discussed a move during the January transfer window. Goretzka's wage demands and bonus structure remain the primary obstacle to completing the transfer, with Juventus exploring alternative financial arrangements.
Chance analysis
Goretzka would be a high-profile, experienced addition to Juventus' midfield on a free transfer, but the €10m bonus demand is significant for a player whose best years may be behind him. From a prediction standpoint, if Juventus can structure a deal, it strengthens their midfield depth considerably. The impasse over bonuses suggests the transfer is not imminent, meaning Juventus' current midfield options remain their likely starters for upcoming matches.
If completed, Goretzka would significantly strengthen Juventus' midfield, but the deal is currently stalled over financial demands.
Do not factor Goretzka into Juventus lineup predictions until the bonus dispute is resolved; current midfield options remain likely starters.