Bayern Munich were quick to squash speculation around two of their senior players in December by extending their contracts. Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller signed new deals, which will see them stay at Bayern at least until the end of the next season.
With the futures of Neuer and Muller sorted, the winter transfer window is seeing speculation about the future of Joshua Kimmich. The German midfielder has entered the last 18 months of his current deal. The German media has suggested that Kimmich's long-term future at Bayern is definitely up in the air.
Paris Saint-Germain has shown concrete interest in Kimmich. The French club reportedly tried to explore talks for Kimmich when Bayern started negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele from them. Die Roten have no plans to part ways with Kimmich midway through the season.
The German midfielder is not planning to leave Munich in the winter. While talking to Sky Sports Germany after the win against Hoffenheim, Kimmich insisted that he is focussing on ending the season with Bayern. The German midfielder also expects Die Roten to hold talks with him later this season regarding his future.
""I'm actually just focused on Bayern. For me, that move wasn't a topic at all in winter. I think at some point the club will approach me and we'll sit together. Everything that will be discussed, we'll discuss with each other - and not with you the media.""Joshua Kimmich
Bayern are reportedly planning to make tough decisions in the summer. The Bavarian club is open to reshuffling the pack to maintain the hunger and drive for hunger for success in the squad. Kimmich is part of the leadership group, but selling him is reportedly no longer a taboo topic at Sabner Strasse.
The summer transfer window will be the last opportunity for Bayern to get a big fee for Kimmich. The German midfielder is also reportedly planning to hire an agent since the next contract will be the last big one of his career. Previous contract negotiations were handled by Kimmich without the help of any agent.
Kimmich will not be short of suitors if he is on the market in the summer. Despite a dip in performances this season, he remains one of the finest central midfielders in Europe. He is still at the peak of his career, which will see several big clubs showing interest in him.
For now, Tuchel and Bayern need Kimmich to get back to his best as they chase Bundesliga and Champions League titles. He has been an outstanding player for Bayern since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2015. Since there is a good possibility of him leaving in the summer, it would be fitting for him if he ends his time in Munich on a high.