Spurs Battling La Liga Giants for Bundesliga Star

Spurs Battling Atletico Madrid for Bayern Munich Stalwart

Say what you will about Tottenham Hotspur, but they can’t be accused of half-arsing the transfer window. Signing Kolo Muani, Simons and Mohammed Kudus in the summer, Thomas Frank’s side showed they can still compete for the big names despite their poor showing last season.

Now in January, the North London club are once again delving back into the market in spite of signing Conor Gallagher, looking to add further strength in depth in the midfield thanks to injuries to Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.

💣🚨 MAJOR BREAKING: Atlético Madrid have submitted a €2/3m offer to Bayern Munich for Leon Goretzka. Atlético have also offered the player a €8.5m salary.

The player is convinced. All that remains is Bayern’s approval, which is not expected to be complicated.@marca pic.twitter.com/sUnh8qypg0

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) January 29, 2026

Their search has led them to Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, but they are not alone in their interest, with Atletico Madrid rumoured to be in advanced talks with the German.

Midfield Powerhouse

Having already pinched Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, Spurs are now looking to further rile up Diego Simeone’s side by pinching a player who is viewed as the Englishman’s direct replacement.

Goretzka has been an ever-present for German juggernauts Bayern since signing in 2018 – operating in the heart of midfield alongside the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Joshua Kimmich, and Jamal Musiala, the former Bochum and Schalke player has proved that he can operate alongside some of the world's best.

He also has 67 Germany caps to his name and has represented his country at both the World Cup and European Championship - the 30-year-old is a seriously high-calibre name that, despite his advancing age, could bring a different dynamic to any team he signs for.

A physical specimen, Goretzka controls the midfield with dominating power and endless running, traits that would be heralded at both Tottenham and Atletico. Particularly at Spurs, a midfield partnership with Gallagher would be a formidable challenge for any opposition.

It must be said that both sides need the German for their own reasons—Atletico sit eight points behind league leaders Barcelona and require reinforcements to close the gap, while Spurs are attempting to save their domestic season, as they lie 14th in the Premier League, and have been knocked out of both the League and FA Cups.

Though many would argue that Tottenham are more in need of Goretzka's presence, it appears Atletico have taken the lead in the race, having allegedly already agreed to personal terms with the midfielder.

🚨 Tottenham have made enquiries about Leon Goretzka in recent hours. They will compete with Atletico Madrid for his signature. 🤍

(Source: @MatteMoretto) pic.twitter.com/I4x3X1O3lY

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 28, 2026

The Spanish side has submitted a €3 million bid for the German and has offered him almost triple that as a salary, an offer Spurs will be hard-pressed to top.

But Spurs have already shown their hand in the transfer market and are not put off a target easily - expect Frank’s side to push for his signature until the very end; a late hijack is certainly not out of the question.