What are free agent Mario Gotze’s options for next season?
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Mario Gotze’s stock may not be as high as it once was, but plenty of clubs will be tempted by the chance to sign the man who once scored a World Cup-winning goal.
Gotze has polarised opinion since scoring the decisive goal in Brazil in 2014, with a move to Bayern Munich soon after.
Fast forward six years and Gotze is now looking for a place to call home as he approaches the prime of his career. He’s set to leave Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer, and we’ve looked at four options the German international could take going forward.
AC Milan
For a diminutive player of immense skill, you might think Italy would suit Gotze’s style. But with Juventus and Inter Milan already stacked full of attacking midfielders and Lazio already having a tight-knit side means you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Milan may undergo a big power shift in the striking department with Zlatan Ibrahimović moving on.
Mario Gotze’s guile could be just the ticket to unlock Serie A defences, especially if Milan put faith in the speedy Rafael Leao or sign a proven striker.
The pace of Italian football may suit the 28-year-old and with the move at 5/2, he may savour the challenge of restoring I Rossoneri to past glories.
West Ham United
If West Ham avoid the drop, then owners David Sullivan and Gold may get their cheque book out again. With no transfer fee to pay, the pair may go all out to sign a genuine star of the game.
Gotze’s former international team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger said, “it doesn’t necessarily have to be the best club in Europe, but I hope that he will find a club where he will play”.
Spending the prime years of your life in London and getting a taste of Premier League football could be a huge draw.
The Hammers are at 5/1 to do the deal, but will have to move quick as there’ll likely be a few Premier League clubs sniffing around.
AS Monaco
Nice Director of Football Julian Fournier has ruled out a move for the German so that could clear the way for Ligue 1 rivals Monaco.
Les Monegasques have curbed their spending in the past few years but are always on the look out for a top-level bargain – think Cesc Fabregas last season.
Gaffer Robert Moreno is just starting to build something in the principality and may feel Gotze fits the bill.
He’s got some nippy forwards but the likes of Aleksandr Golovin haven’t always convinced since his arrival. This could mean Monaco are back out on the market for a proven attacking midfielder.
Gotze in the number 10 role could prove to be a masterstroke.
MLS
The ‘retirement league’ label hasn’t completely gone but it’s interesting to see MLS clubs have looked to a younger South American demographic.
Gotze isn’t a teenage Argentinian prospect. but the appeal of playing in the United States is growing for a player in their prime.
The likes of Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are always looking for their next marquee signing to parade across the league – Gotze may be that man.
There are rumours of James Rodriguez making a move too, but with Gotze’ free agent status, it could make the transition smoother.
