Joshua Kimmich resumed training at Bayern Munich last week. The German midfielder’s future is the hot topic of discussion in Munich as he entered the final 12 months of his contract. Bayern want to find a resolution regarding Kimmich’s future sooner rather than later.
Paris Saint-Germain have revived interest in Kimmich. The French club tried to sign the German midfielder in January, but Bayern decided against selling him midway through the summer. It remains to be seen if Kimmich is receptive to a move to the French capital.
Bayern are open to selling Kimmich this summer as they look to trim the wage bill and make space for new additions. Kimmich is currently one of the biggest earners in the squad.
Kimmich has been tight-lipped about his future in the last six months. However, he opened the door for extending his stay in Munich while talking to the media in South Korea. While talking to Sky Sports, Kimmich insisted that he feels settled in Munich and remains open to holding talks with club chiefs over an extension.
"You can always talk to each other reasonably, all doors are open to everyone. Generally speaking, I feel really comfortable here. All my kids were born here, we built a house. Of course, last season wasn't so successful, that's not what Bayern and I want. Now I'm hungry, full of energy."Joshua Kimmich
The club chiefs will sit down with Kimmich in the coming days to make a final decision. It does feel like Kimmich prefers staying in Munich, irrespective of the club’s stance regarding a new contract.
Kimmich is no longer an automatic starter in midfield at Bayern Munich
Despite Kimmich’s desire to stay at Bayern, he doesn’t have a guaranteed spot in the starting XI next season. Joao Palhinha is expected to be the number six under Vincent Kompany, while the club wants to build the midfield around Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Kimmich can boost his chances of playing regularly for Bayern if he agrees to play in the right-back position. Tuchel used Kimmich in this position during the business end of the season. Julian Nagelsmann also deployed Kimmich in the right-back role for Germany during the Euro 2024.
Manchester City are also reportedly interested in Kimmich. With the German midfielder opening the door for a new contract extension at Bayern, there is still scope for his departure this summer. The next couple of weeks will give a clearer picture of Kimmich’s long-term future in Munich.