"He's a very good player but..." - Bayern boss coy on Joshua Kimmich future
By Tushar Bahl
Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl has had his say on the future of Joshua Kimmich, who could leave the club this summer.
Joshua Kimmich is facing an uncertain future at Bayern Munich, with reports claiming that it is increasingly unlikely he will sign a new contract with the club. The likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are already said to be keeping tabs on the situation of the 29 year old, who has just 12 months left on his current contract.
Max Eberl has now revealed that they are planning to hold talks with Kimmich after he returns from his post-Euro 2024 vacation, but a decision on his future has not yet been finalized. The Bayern Munich director has also made it clear that every player must fight for their place in the starting XI at the club.
"He has one year left on his contract. We've agreed that we'll talk to each other after his vacation. Joshua is a very good player, but the general rule is that professional football is a competitive sport - we can't say to any player per se: Hey, you're always going to play," Eberl said in an interview with Welt.
"There's no question that Joshua has made huge contributions for FC Bayern. Nevertheless, everyone at FC Bayern has to accept the fight for a regular starting spot. In general, we honor contracts and fulfil our obligations. We expect the same from the players - and that includes them always performing at their best possible level."
Kimmich has been a mainstay in the Bayern Munich lineup for several years now, having joined the club all the way back in 2015. But with the Bavarians headed towards a new direction, there is a real possibility that he could leave the club as part of the squad overhaul this summer.