Bayern Munich are reportedly keen to agree a contract renewal with Joshua Kimmich, who is attracting interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.
According to Spanish publication Sport, the interest in Joshua Kimmich is rising, which is forcing Bayern Munich to take steps to tie him down to a new deal. Barcelona and Manchester City have been tracking the versatile Germany international for a long time.
Kimmich has been a revelation for Bayern Munich since making the move from RB Leipzig in January 2015. The player was almost instantly impressive under Pep Guardiola, featuring 36 times in his first full season at Allianz Arena, while displaying his versatility to play across various positions.
Kimmich went from strength to strength in the 2016-17 season, proving to be a reliable option at the back for Carlo Ancelotti, and his stature has elevated further following Philipp Lahm’s retirement. The 22-year-old has started all but two games this season, and has also contributed to his team’s cause with 3 goals and 9 assists.
Joshua Kimmich (22) has created more chances for Bayern this season than any other player.
37 across both the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Massively kicking on as the main outlet out wide, as a certain Philipp Lahm used to be. pic.twitter.com/eM5XWmOyEu
— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) November 22, 2017
Unsurprisingly, his exploits haven’t gone unnoticed, with several clubs expressing their interest in signing him over the last twelve months. Barcelona and Manchester City are currently vying for his signature, with the duo set to offer him a lucrative package.
At Camp Nou, the right-back slot continues to remain a position of slight concern, with Nelson Semedo’s form petering out after an impressive start following his summer move from Benfica. With no natural right-back in sight beyond the Portuguese, Kimmich is a viable target who could potentially be a long-term solution for the Blaugrana.
It could also be possible that he is being eyed as a solution in midfield, considering Kimmich’s creative abilities, with Barcelona in search of Andres Iniesta’s long-term successor. But, Barcelona face stiff competition from Manchester City in pursuit of the Germany international.
The Citizens have been monitoring his progress for a long time, with Pep Guardiola admittedly a huge admirer of his talent. The interest in Kimmich does come as a bit of a surprise though, with summer arrival Kyle Walker a reliable right-back.
He never stops. He can’t be stopped. Joshua #Kimmich is your October Player of the Month! ? #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/gcdskiLVno
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 14, 2017
Guardiola has a barrage of options in midfield as well, although it goes without saying that Kimmich would be a top class addition to his squad, regardless of the position he is deployed in. But, Bayern consider him to be an important asset to Jupp Heynckes’ squad and are desperate to tie him down to a new deal.
While Kimmich still has over two years remaining on his current contract, the primary objective of handing him a new deal is to provide a significant increment on his current €3 million-a-year package. And as per the player’s agent Uli Ferber, talks are already underway over a renewal.
“In the summer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge came to us for the first time to ask if we thought an extension would be possible. This autumn we have sat down to talk and at the end of the year we will have another meeting.”
Kimmich, too, has insisted that he would like to remain at Bayern for a long time if he is a key player for them, and is unlikely to be rooting for a move, considering his current status at the club. It now remains to be seen if Barcelona or Manchester City manage to lure him away from Allianz Arena.
