„Wouldn’t be okay!“ – Is Bayern threatened by a Kimmich departure on a free transfer?
FC Bayern could be facing a major shake-up in the summer. Meanwhile, the future of Joshua Kimmich remains uncertain.
Max Eberl has his hands full in his new role as FC Bayern’s sporting director. In addition to the search for a coach, Eberl’s to-do list also includes important contract negotiations with several star players. This also includes Joshua Kimmich, whose contract with the German record champions expires in the summer of 2025.
The Bayern bosses are determined to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer. Accordingly, Eberl announced talks with the German international in the near future: „I will sit down with him and talk to him.“ First, however, they want to create clarity in the coaching position.
Extension or departure from Munich?
The 29-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move in recent weeks. In addition to PSG and FC Barcelona, several top Premier League clubs are also rumoured to be interested in Kimmich. Former commentator Marcel Reif is also certain: „There will be enquiries.“
According to Reif, it will depend on how the new Bayern coach plans with Kimmich. „I don’t think it’s presumptuous for a player to want to know whether he will play as a right-back or in midfield. That’s the crucial point,“ said the 74-year-old, who does not rule out a departure: „If the future coach is of the opinion that Kimmich is better at right-back, I can imagine him saying: ‚Fine, then I can play somewhere else‘.“
Reif: Kimmich „owes FC Bayern something“
However, Reif believes it is unlikely that Kimmich will enter the final year of his contract at Bayern: „You talk and decide a year before the end of the contract.“
A transfer-free departure would be „not entirely undramatic“ for Munich from a financial perspective. „That wouldn’t be okay either, because he also owes this club something,“ Reif clarified.
„He would have to be very angry with the club. I don’t believe that. I’m not going to let that romance be taken away from me,“ explained the legendary reporter. The all-rounder is not a player who says: „You’ve had bad luck.“
