The club’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, confirmed the decision on Friday morning. Goretzka, who has been with Bayern for eight years, will not extend his contract.

Freund said the midfielder feels very comfortable at the club and with the team, but he has chosen to seek a new challenge next summer. He added that Goretzka is an “important part” of the squad and plays at an “extremely high level”.

There were concrete transfer inquiries in the winter, yet the player opted to stay until the end of his contract to focus on the club’s sporting objectives. Freund noted that Goretzka believes “a lot is still possible this year” and wants to remain with Bayern for now.