This duo was once supposed to be the centrepiece of FC Bayern and the German national team: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. Now one of them will probably have to leave the record champions.
Joshua Kimmich or Leon Goretzka: According to Sky, one of them will no longer be playing for FC Bayern next season. Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg said: „It will affect one of them: Kimmich or Goretzka – regardless of whether they have to go, should go or want to go.“
With a view to the new sporting director Max Eberl, who took up his post as FCB’s new sporting director on 1 March, Plettenberg predicted: „Max Eberl will take a very close look at who is going. There will be one or two prominent names this summer.“
Kimmich and Goretzka have not had a good season at FC Bayern so far. Neither had a good start with coach Thomas Tuchel. He had already publicly expressed his desire for a new centre midfielder – a holding six – during pre-season. He did not trust either Kimmich or Goretzka to fulfil this role. The two German internationals subsequently appeared unsettled and were never able to build on their performances of previous seasons.
Kimmich and Goretzka are among the top earners
This also has consequences for the DFB squad and the upcoming home European Championship: Kimmich will not play in his preferred position in the centre of midfield, but as a right-back. This has already been announced by national coach Julian Nagelsmann. Goretzka even has to fear for his European Championship ticket – at the latest after Toni Kroos‘ comeback.
Kimmich’s contract with FC Bayern expires in the summer of 2025, Goretzka’s only a year later. Both are among the top earners at the club. Kimmich earns a rumoured €19.5 million, Goretzka an estimated €18 million.
In Goretzka’s case, it is currently difficult to imagine that he will find a European club that will pay him a salary of this magnitude.
The Kimmich case has already been declared a top priority by Eberl. The new Bayern boss wants to speak to the 29-year-old in person soon. Should they not be able to agree on a contract extension, they would have to think about selling him after the end of the season if they do not want to run the risk of losing Kimmich on a free transfer a year later. FC Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool FC have recently been rumoured to be interested in Kimmich.
