According to Mundo Deportivo (via IB Times), Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goretzka has an agreement in place to join Barcelona for free next summer, dealing a blow on Tottenham’s and Liverpool’s chances of landing him.
Both Premier League giants are keen on luring the Germany international to England in January, but it is said he prefers the La Liga giants, while Schalke aren’t also willing to let him go midway through the campaign.
The 22-year-old is also being monitored by Bayern Munich and Juventus, as his heroics with Germany at the Confederations Cup, where he weighed in 2 goals in the semi-final victory over Mexico, convinced all and sundry of his top qualities.
Spurs are hoping to further strengthen their midfield ranks going forward, with injuries to Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama at the start of the campaign exposing their lack of enough depth.
Goretzka, with his box-to-box abilities which have seen him bag 4 Bundesliga goals this term, no doubts fits the bill for the EPL duo.
Liverpool are at the risk of losing both Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho in January or next summer, and the Barcelona-target can be a perfect midfield replacement.
However, it seems Camp Nou, and not White Hart Lane or Anfield, will be Goretzka’s next stop.
