Barcelona-bound? Bayern star's shocking contract revelation

Stuart Telford

• 2 Nov 2023 15:18 GMT
• 3 min read

Joshua Kimmich's transfer to Barcelona from Bayern Munich now seems more likely than ever with reports in Germany suggesting he has serious doubts about his future in Bavaria.

Kimmich and Barcelona manager Xavi have previously made little secret of their admiration for each other, but a collaboration has hitherto seemed unlikely.

Kimmich is a cornerstone of Bayern's midfield, one seen as the club's long-term captain after Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller call it quits, and Barca remain more than €1 billion in the red, despite restructuring their debt in recent months.

READ: Bayern Munich's 10 best transfers of all time

But there could be a window of opportunity for the Blaugrana, with Kimmich reportedly having doubts about extending his existing contract which expires in June 2025.

Hau: 'surprised if there's an extension'

"There were times when Kimmich felt much more comfortable at FC Bayern than he does now," Sport1's Kerry Hau told the Die Bayern-Woche podcast. "I'd be surprised if there was an extension this year.

"On the other hand, Bayern will have a good chance if Kimmich has the following questions answered: What role does the coach see for in? What should the team look like in the next few years? What are the chances of playing for the Champions League every year?"

READ: The Bayern contract problem that has Barcelona licking their lips

But therein lies a potential problem for Bayern. Thomas Tuchel doesn't seem to trust Kimmich as much as some of his predecessors as head coach did, and he was the driving force behind the failed bid for Fulham's Joao Palhinha on transfer deadline day.

Kimmich had previously expressed annoyance at Tuchel saying the club needed a defensive midfielder, telling reporters "I am a No.6," this summer.

Currently valued at €54 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, Kimmich could be available for significantly less if Hau is right and he doesn't extend his contract before next summer.

Barcelona will be watching with interest.