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Leon Goretzka appears set to embark on a new chapter in his career, with AC Milan emerging as his likely destination following his departure from FC Bayern Munich, though one crucial condition still needs to be met.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, Goretzka recently held a phone conversation with AC Milan’s head coach, Massimiliano Allegri, and was thoroughly convinced by the Italian manager’s vision for his role. The proposed three-year contract from the Rossoneri, reportedly valued at €5 million per season along with significant performance-based bonuses, has further strengthened the German midfielder’s interest in the move.

The same report suggests that Milan have now “moved clearly ahead of their competitors” in the race to sign Goretzka. Other clubs such as Inter Milan, Napoli, and Juventus had also shown interest in the 31-year-old. Earlier in the winter transfer window, Atlético Madrid made an attempt to sign him on short notice but were unable to finalise a deal.

La Gazzetta dello Sport further revealed that Goretzka and Milan have been in personal agreement “for weeks”. As early as late April, the newspaper stated that negotiations were progressing smoothly. However, one final hurdle remains before the transfer can be completed — AC Milan must secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Currently, Milan are battling it out with Roma, Como, and Juventus for the remaining two Champions League places. Heading into the final matchday, the Rossoneri are level on 70 points with Roma, giving them a favourable position. A draw against Cagliari at San Siro on Sunday would be enough to confirm their spot in Europe’s elite competition, while a victory would not only secure their qualification but also clear the path for Goretzka’s signing.

Meanwhile, Goretzka’s time at Bayern Munich will officially conclude after Saturday’s DFB Cup final. Since late January, it has been confirmed that the German international will leave the club after eight successful years, as Bayern decided not to extend his contract. During his tenure in Munich, Goretzka claimed seven Bundesliga titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He could yet add a third DFB Cup medal to his collection if Bayern defeat VfB Stuttgart in the upcoming final.

The only uncertainty is whether Goretzka will take to the pitch one last time for the German champions. In key Champions League knockout fixtures against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, he remained an unused substitute. He has not started any DFB Cup matches this season but has made appearances in each of them. In the semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen, he registered an assist for Luis Diaz’s goal that made it 2-0.

Under manager Vincent Kompany, Goretzka has found himself relegated to the bench — a development that came roughly a year later than expected. Soon after Kompany’s appointment, the 31-year-old was informed that he could leave the club. Nevertheless, Goretzka chose to stay on, and injuries to Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joao Palhinha eventually allowed him to reclaim a starting role alongside Joshua Kimmich.

His improved club form also earned him a recall to the German national team. At the upcoming World Cup, Goretzka is expected to play a more prominent role, with Kimmich likely to operate at right-back and Pavlovic being the only guaranteed starter in midfield. This sets up a direct battle between Goretzka and Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha for a starting position.

Leon Goretzka: Career statistics and performance data for FC Bayern Munich and Schalke 04.