Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool & Man City dealt Joshua Kimmich transfer blow by Bayern Munich chief

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has exuded confidence in the club’s ability to retain their star midfielder, Joshua Kimmich, amid growing interest from Europe’s elite. Kimmich’s current contract with the Bavarians is set to expire in June, fueling speculation about his next move. Despite the chatter, Freund remains optimistic that Kimmich will extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.

Speaking to Sky Germany after Bayern’s narrow 2-1 victory over Freiburg, Freund shared his belief that Kimmich’s future lies with the reigning Bundesliga champions. “I’m positive that he will ultimately decide to continue playing for FC Bayern,” Freund declared, highlighting the midfielder’s integral role in the squad. Kimmich’s contribution to the weekend’s victory, delivering the corner that led to Kim Min-jae’s decisive goal, underscored his value to the team.

Kimmich, now 29, has spent nearly a decade with Bayern Munich, amassing numerous trophies and establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. His versatility was on display against Freiburg, where he started at right-back but has predominantly operated in midfield this season. Under the management of Vincent Kompany, Kimmich has been a mainstay in the lineup, featuring in every Bundesliga match to date.

This consistency contrasts sharply with the turbulent tenure of Thomas Tuchel, who publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Bayern’s midfield options during his 15-month stint. Tuchel’s calls for a “proper holding No. 6” cast a shadow over Kimmich’s role, but Kompany’s faith has seemingly reignited the player’s importance within the squad.

However, Kimmich’s contract talks have stalled, leaving an opening for clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona to explore the possibility of signing him. Reports suggest that these powerhouses are keenly monitoring his situation, with some prepared to make lucrative offers should he decide to leave Bavaria.

When questioned about the recent links to Real Madrid, Kimmich’s frustration was evident. “I made a relatively clear statement two weeks ago,” he told BILD. “There’s no change in the situation now. To be honest, I can’t stand up every three days and give you an update. There will be an update at some point, but I’m not going to comment on it every three days.”

Kimmich’s current contract, signed in August 2021, was supposed to secure his future until 2024. Yet, as the months tick down, the lack of a concrete decision has intensified speculation. Bayern Munich’s management appears determined to avoid losing their prized asset on a free transfer, a scenario that would be a significant blow to the club’s ambitions.

Liverpool, seeking to bolster their midfield options, have emerged as strong contenders for Kimmich’s signature. Jurgen Klopp’s admiration for the German international is well-documented, and the prospect of partnering Kimmich with their current midfield lineup is tantalizing for the Anfield faithful.

Meanwhile, Manchester City and Barcelona remain in the race. Pep Guardiola’s history with Kimmich during their time at Bayern adds a layer of intrigue to the potential reunion. Barcelona, grappling with financial constraints, see Kimmich as a transformative figure who could anchor their midfield for years to come.

Freund’s reassurances, however, suggest that Bayern Munich are prepared to fight tooth and nail to keep Kimmich. The club has reportedly prepared a new contract offer designed to reflect his status as one of the team’s most vital players. This proposal is expected to include a significant salary increase and assurances about his role within Kompany’s system.

For Bayern, retaining Kimmich is not just about his on-field contributions but also his leadership qualities. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, his departure would leave a void both tactically and psychologically. Kompany has spoken highly of Kimmich’s influence, describing him as “an extension of the coaching staff on the pitch.”

As the January transfer window approaches, the saga surrounding Kimmich’s future is set to dominate headlines. Bayern Munich’s resolve will be tested as rival clubs prepare to make their moves. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in European football.

For now, Freund’s confidence is a beacon of hope for Bayern fans. “Joshua knows what he means to this club,” Freund emphasized. “We are working tirelessly to ensure he remains a part of our future.” Whether that effort will be enough remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the race for Joshua Kimmich is far from over.