Joshua Kimmich could be one of the big movers in the summer transfer window as he gets consistently linked with a move away from Bayern Munich. The Bavarian club is planning a squad overhaul in the summer after a disappointing Bundesliga campaign, which may include the departure of star players from the squad.
Kimmich has just over 15 months left on his contract at Bayern. The Bavarian club is yet to open contract talks with the German midfielder. He is reportedly considered one of the candidates for sale at the club.
The German midfielder was heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain in the winter transfer window. The French club will make a move for him in the summer, while Manchester City also have him on the list of summer targets. Bayern will have to cash in this summer if a new deal is not agreed with Kimmich.
The 29-year-old central midfielder had poured cold water on transfer speculation in January. He was solely focusing on the second half of the season. While talking to Welt (via iMiaSanMia) during the international break, Kimmich didn’t give anything away about his future. Kimmich is currently focussing on the rest of the season with Bayern and the Euros with Germany.
""For me the situation is very clear. I still have over a year left on my contract, so I'm relaxed about it. As of now it is still unclear who will be our new coach from summer. It is of course very interesting and important to know who it will be. My first priority now is to make the season as positive as possible, in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League. Then comes the Euros. These are the things that matter.""Joshua Kimmich
Bayern are expected to hold talks with Kimmich at the end of the season. The Bavarian club and Thomas Tuchel have consistently insisted that he remains a key player in the squad. However, the delay in contract talks does suggest that Bayern are not entirely sure about keeping him.
Kimmich is currently one of the highest earners at Bayern. The financial aspect of a new contract will likely play a key role in Die Roten’s decision-making. Meanwhile, Kimmich will look to get a financially appealing deal since it will be the last bumper contract of his career.
Bayern are also expected to sign a defensive midfielder in the summer. They came close to acquiring one last year when a deal for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha collapsed on the deadline day. Kimmich prefers playing in the holding midfield position. The Bavarian club’s desire to sign a new defensive midfielder may impact Kimmich’s role on the pitch, which may eventually force him to reconsider his future at the Bavarian club.
Kimmich has won every possible trophy with Bayern since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2015. The upcoming summer transfer window might be the ideal time for him to experience a new adventure. There is a good case for Bayern and Kimmich to part ways this summer, but a decision needs to come sooner rather than later.