FC Barcelona are still considering signing Joshua Kimmich. Coach Xavi’s rethink is expected to play a decisive role in this. Due to the Bayern star’s short contract period, the Spanish club are hoping for a real bargain.
Joshua Kimmich’s contract with the German record champions is due to expire in the summer of 2025. Should the midfielder not extend his contract in the near future, Bayern bosses will be faced with the question: will they sell their top star in the summer to prevent him leaving on a free transfer next year?
In fact, the Munich club have already decided this, as the Bayern bosses are not willing to lose a player on a free transfer.
Barça launch „Operation Pivot“
After Xavi Hernández announced his retirement, the speculation surrounding a possible Barça transfer for Kimmich is picking up speed again. As Mundo Deportivo reports, the Catalans are launching „Operation Pivot“ – meaning the search for a new chief strategist in the centre of midfield.
The financially strapped Catalans are apparently confident that they can take advantage of the 29-year-old’s contract situation. They are hoping for a transfer fee of between 30 and 35 million euros. The club management consider Kimmich’s enormously high salary to be more problematic.
Last year, Xavi publicly enthused about the qualities of the DFB international and revealed that he would love to have him in his team: „He is an absolute top player who understands the game in a fantastic way. If there’s an open door, there will be negotiations with Bayern.“ Kimmich, for his part, has often described the former world-class player as his role model.
Kimmich’s future in Munich uncertain
So far, however, it is unclear how Kimmich is planning his sporting future. What is clear is that there have been no concrete negotiations between him and the Munich management regarding a possible contract extension. According to Max Eberl, Kimmich first wants to wait and see who will be Bayern’s new coach next summer.
According to Sky, Kimmich is not 100 per cent happy in Munich and could well imagine leaving if his overall situation does not change. Above all, a move to Spain is said to appeal to him.
Kimmich himself recently commented as follows on the ongoing rumours that he could be drawn to FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain’s La Liga: „First I will talk to Bayern,“ but added that „Barça and Real are of course both great clubs with a great history.“
