Hansi Flick has called free agent Mario Götze — interest from Bayern Munich?

Hansi Flick and Mario Götze should be fairly familiar with each other from their time as assistant coach and player respectively for Germany’s National team. Flick was on the coaching staff that saw Götze score the game-winning goal in extra time of the final of the 2014 World Cup.

Now after seeing a mass exodus of players leaving Bayern Munich — namely Thiago, Philippe Couthino, Alvaro Odrizola, and Ivan Perisic — Flick is looking to add players before this extended transfer window closes. According to Sport Bild (print edition), Hansi Flick has been in contact with ex-Bayern player Mario Götze. Götze, who transferred from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern in 2013 and then transferred back to BVB in 2016, scored 22 goals and made 21 assists during his time with Bayern. He was, however, never able to find a regular spot in the starting lineup under Pep Guardiola. Since 2016, Götze played for Dortmund until his contract expired at the end of last season.

Bayern’s bosses Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Brazzo Salihamidzic have yet to comment, potentially indicating their skepticism surrounding Götze. However, bringing in Götze at this time — on a free transfer, mind you — seems to be pretty low risk. After Flick wanted Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, but lost both to Premier League teams, the board should let Flick have his way on this one.

In addition to the depth that Götze would bring to the roster, it will also be good to have another veteran presence that has played with most of the team at the club or international level. Having played at Bayern previously and under Flick with Germany, it should be fairly easy for him to acclimate, even coming in after the season has begun.

And at only 29, Götze could still have plenty left to give. Recently he told Bild, “I have ambitious goals and want to win the Champions League at all costs.”