Bayern willing to extend key player's contract, but only if he takes a pay cut

Per Phillip Kessler and Manuel Bonke, Bayern Munich are prepared to extend Joshua Kimmich's contract, but only if he a pay-cut.

The report from TZ also claims that it remains unlikely that Joshua Kimmich will agree to that whilst in his prime years for a footballer. Another reason an extension with a pay-cut is seen as difficult to justify is that just a few months ago, Thomas Müller extended his contract, despite now being a substitute player.

Vincent Kompany and his staff reportedly see great value in having Kimmich in the team and on the pitch, and are aware of his world-class capabilities both in midfield and at right-back.

It is well known that many clubs across Europe have an interest in a player of Kimmich's caliber, not least his former head coach Hansi Flick, now at FC Barcelona, although there are doubts over how viable that operation would be financially. Manchester City are also said to be interested in signing the Germany international.

With Kimmich only having one year left on his deal, if the signs become clear that he isn't going to extend, Bayern will likely look to cash in and avoid the risk of losing him on a free next summer. From January, Kimmich would be allowed to officially negotiate with other clubs with a view to signing in the summer.

Kimmich's overall presence would be a loss for Bayern, even if those in charge are looking to bolster the midfield in the transfer window.

During the first half of last season, Kimmich generally played in midfield. But after the winter break, he was used extensively at right-back. The 29-year-old was fairly consistent in both positions, but with the aforementioned contract situation, Bayern could decide that now is the time to move on.

Josip Stanišić has returned from his loan at Bayer Leverkusen and has signed a long-term contract with Bayern. Sacha Boey will be looking to put his injury issues behind him, and there is also Noussair Mazraoui, all for the right-back position. That said, none of these players have the guile of Kimmich, who remains one of Bayern's most influential players.

In midfield, Bayern now have João Palhinha, Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer and Aleksandar Pavlovic, although none of the aforementioned players offer close to offering the versatility and creativity Kimmich brings. They have other attributes that Kimmich does not, but the 29 year old offers something completely different.

Whatever happens, it is important that Bayern find a solution as quickly as possible to prevent unrest once the season has started. The last thing a new coach needs is a contract saga with one of his most high-profile players.