Real Madrid: It’s fallen, the new snub that hurts a lot!

Real Madrid had been eyeing Joshua Kimmich as a major reinforcement for their midfield this summer. With the imminent retirement of Toni Kroos, the Spanish giants saw the Bayern Munich star as the perfect successor to his compatriot. However, despite growing speculation and reports of Madrid’s interest, Kimmich has ultimately decided to extend his contract with Bayern Munich, much like his teammate Alphonso Davies. This unexpected decision represents yet another transfer setback for Los Blancos.

According to Sky Sport Germany, negotiations between Bayern and Kimmich concluded successfully on Thursday, with an agreement in place that will see the German international remain at the club until June 2029. Documents have already been exchanged, and the deal is set to be officially signed in the coming days. Real Madrid’s hopes of signing Kimmich for free have now been completely dashed.

🚨🔴 ⚪️ Joshua Kimmich and Bayern have exchanged all documents for a new deal valid until June 2029.

Agreement in place and deal set to be signed very soon, as BILD reported.

Kimmich never advanced in talks with any other club, only approaches — priority to FC Bayern. pic.twitter.com/y0ozX6mhpP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2025

Real Madrid had long viewed Kimmich as an ideal midfield addition due to his versatility. Capable of playing as a holding midfielder while also excelling as a right-back, his tactical intelligence and experience at the highest level made him an attractive target for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. The club had intended for him to slot seamlessly into the midfield, filling the void left by Kroos and providing an added layer of depth to their squad.

This latest transfer blow comes in the wake of another recent disappointment involving Alphonso Davies. Madrid had also set their sights on the Canadian left-back, whose contract was set to expire soon. But just when they thought they could secure him on a free transfer, Bayern moved swiftly to tie him down with an extension until 2030. The German club’s ability to keep its key players has become a growing frustration for Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

Real Madrid’s transfer strategy has often involved identifying top talents nearing the end of their contracts and acquiring them on a free transfer. This approach worked successfully with players like David Alaba, who joined from Bayern Munich in 2021. However, Bayern have now become more proactive in securing their stars before they reach the final months of their contracts, making it increasingly difficult for Madrid to pull off similar moves.

Joshua Kimmich has always been a player admired by Real Madrid’s hierarchy. His leadership qualities, technical skills, and deep understanding of the game would have made him a perfect addition to the club’s system. Reports suggest that Kimmich himself was intrigued by the possibility of playing in Spain, recognizing Madrid as an elite club with strong Champions League ambitions. Despite this, Bayern managed to convince him that his future remains in the Bundesliga.

The negotiations between Kimmich and Bayern had been ongoing for months. While the player had kept his options open, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl and technical director Christoph Freund worked relentlessly to ensure that he would commit to the club. Their efforts paid off, and Kimmich ultimately decided to remain loyal to the Bavarian giants.

This situation is reminiscent of past transfer battles between the two clubs. In 2023, Real Madrid attempted to lure Bayern’s Jamal Musiala to Spain, only to face strong resistance from the German club. Similarly, Madrid’s pursuit of Robert Lewandowski in 2018 ended in disappointment, with the Polish striker opting to remain in Munich before eventually joining Barcelona years later.

The failure to land Kimmich now forces Real Madrid to rethink their transfer priorities. With Kroos set to retire, Luka Modric nearing the twilight of his career, and Eduardo Camavinga still developing, Madrid must identify alternative midfield reinforcements. Names like Bruno Guimarães, Nicolo Barella, and Florian Wirtz have emerged as potential targets.

For Real Madrid fans, this transfer window has been a frustrating one. The club’s inability to secure top targets has raised concerns about their long-term planning. While Madrid remain one of the most powerful clubs in world football, their struggles in negotiations with Bayern Munich have exposed vulnerabilities in their recruitment strategy.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, have once again proven their determination to retain key players. They understand the importance of continuity and stability, ensuring that their core squad remains intact. Their ability to convince both Kimmich and Davies to stay showcases their strength as a club and their commitment to competing at the highest level.

Despite these setbacks, Real Madrid are not expected to give up on strengthening their squad. They have already secured the signing of Endrick from Palmeiras, and there are ongoing talks to bring Kylian Mbappé to the Santiago Bernabéu. However, the failure to land Kimmich will undoubtedly sting, especially given how close they believed they were to sealing the deal.

Carlo Ancelotti will now have to adjust his plans for the upcoming season. While Madrid’s midfield remains strong with players like Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham, the addition of Kimmich would have provided an extra layer of reliability and tactical flexibility. The coach will now need to explore other solutions within the squad.

For Florentino Pérez, this represents another lesson in the evolving nature of modern football negotiations. Clubs like Bayern Munich are no longer willing to let go of their stars easily, and Madrid must find new ways to compete in a changing transfer landscape. Whether that means shifting focus to younger talents or adapting their approach to contract negotiations, changes may be necessary.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Madrid will undoubtedly continue searching for reinforcements. But for now, the loss of Kimmich is a bitter pill to swallow. The club must regroup and ensure that their next targets do not slip away in similar fashion.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Madrid’s transfer ambitions. The fans are eager for new signings, and the club’s ability to deliver will define the success of their upcoming season. While they may have missed out on Kimmich, there is still time to make key additions that will strengthen their squad for the battles ahead.