Bayern Munich are well equipped in the center of the park with several different types of midfielders. The signing of João Palhinha from Fulham in the summer added more steel and physicality to the midfield department. However, things can change quickly in Bayern’s midfield over the next six months.
Joshua Kimmich has been the key man for Die Roten in the center of the park this season. He hasn’t missed a minute of action in the Bundesliga. However, his future at the club is far from certain. The German midfielder has less than six months left on his contract. Bayern are anxiously waiting for him to make a decision, as they are open to offering him a long-term deal.
In the meantime, Bayern are also assessing midfield options in the transfer market to be prepared for the possibility of Kimmich leaving Munich. According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern remain interested in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and monitor his situation. Arsenal are leading the race to sign Zubimendi as he emerges their top target for the summer transfer window. Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Barcelona are also closely following the Spanish midfielder.
The Euro 2024 winner is expected to leave San Sebastian in the summer. Interested clubs will have to activate his release clause worth €60 million. Liverpool came close to signing him last summer, but he decided to stay in La Liga for one more season.
Bayern have been linked with Zubimendi on several occasions in the past. He was reportedly ahead of the pecking order in the midfield targets last summer, but Palhinha became the club’s preferred option once they held discussions with Vincent Kompany.
Zubimendi can be like for like replacement of Kimmich
The 25-year-old Spaniard has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga over the last few seasons. He seamlessly replaced injured Rodri in the Euro 2024 final against England. Zubimendi is calm and composed on the ball, providing creativity from the center of the park.
The Spaniard is also quite solid defensively. He has ideal attributes in and out of possession to succeed Kimmich at Bayern. He would be a fine addition to the squad if Kimmich ends up leaving Bavaria in the summer.
Bayern are expected to sign at least one midfielder irrespective of what happens with Kimmich. Leon Goretzka is expected to leave Munich. Hoffenheim starlet Tom Bischof could replace the former Schalke midfielder. The Bavarian club has already made an offer to the 19-year-old midfielder as he enters the final six months of his contract at Hoffenheim.