Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has not committed to anything for 2026 and that has given Real Madrid and FC Barcelona hope that they can lure the Germany international away to Spain:
The battle for Bayern Munich’s star midfielder Joshua Kimmich is heating up, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly vying for his signature on a free transfer next summer. As per a report from SPORT, Kimmich’s future is one of the most closely watched topics and it could take an intriguing turn in the coming months.
The German is under contract with Bayern Munich until June 2025. However, from January 2024, he will be eligible to negotiate with other clubs for a potential move once his current deal expires. While Bayern are engaged in talks to extend his stay, the process has been far from straightforward.
Several factors are complicating the renewal discussions. Reports suggest Kimmich has been critical of a perceived lack of recognition from Bayern until recently, which has left him dissatisfied. Moreover, Bayern Munich are grappling with financial constraints as they look to manage their wage bill. The club is reportedly restructuring its salary framework, which adds another layer of complexity.
Currently earning around €20 million gross annually, Kimmich is unlikely to accept a pay cut, which could lead to further disagreements. Amid this uncertainty, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the situation. Kimmich’s ability to operate effectively in multiple positions makes him a particularly appealing target.
At Barcelona, while promising talents like Marc Casado and Marc Bernal offer depth in midfield, Kimmich’s experience and versatility could elevate the team further. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick could play a crucial role in influencing Kimmich’s decision. Having managed the midfielder during his successful stint at Bayern Munich, Flick knows how to maximise Kimmich’s potential. With Kimmich’s future reaching a critical juncture, the coming months will reveal whether Barcelona or Real Madrid can secure his services or if Bayern manage to hold on to their star.
Kimmich is representing himself, likely will not accept a pay cut, and could be operating with the leverage that he has real options to leave the club. Bayern Munich might not have much wiggle room with the midfielder. Depending on how cut-throat he wants to be, Kimmich could really make life difficult for the club.
Former Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee has not had a great time in England thus far and Juventus might be looking to take advantage of Manchester United looking to unload him:
Juventus have placed Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on their list of targets, reports Calciomercato. While a central defender is the Serie A side’s priority, Juve will look into a deal for the Netherlands international if the Red Devils make him available for transfer. Zirkzee, 23, has struggled to find his form at Old Trafford after making a move from Bologna in July.
His manager at Bologna was Thiago Motta, who also moved on in the summer … to Juventus. Zirkzee has one goal and two assists in 17 appearances this season. Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic will be into the final year of his contract next summer and will move on if no extension is agreed; if that does happen, Juve could explore a loan with an obligation to sign permanently for Zirkzee.
Bayern Munich is back in action in the Bundesliga on on Friday against a pesky FC Augsburg side.
After the international break, Bayern Munich is looking to rebuild some momentum. Will the Bavarians get off on the right foot? Let’s talk about that and more on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show:
- Bayern Munich was scorching hot before the break, can they pick up where they left off?
- What about that new pitch…will it be ready?
- A look at the recent form of each team and where they fall in the Bundesliga table.
- A look at the rosters and injuries for FC Augsburg and Bayern Munich. Why did Manuel Neuer leave training on Wednesday?
- A guess at Bayern Munich’s starting XI…will there be any rotation?
- A prediction on the match.
It looks as if Leroy Sané is going to give Bayern Munich every opportunity to extend his contract before seeking out conversations with other clubs:
Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, Arsenal FC’s Kai Havertz, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz were all named to WhoScored.com’s UEFA Nations League Group A — Team of the Group Stage:
The German national team took on Hungary in a game in which former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann punted used a heavy rotation.
It was never going to be smooth sailing given all the changes, but Germany eventually outlasted Hungary to scratch out a feisty 1-1 draw — thanks to a goal from Felix Nmecha (!?) and a late handball call on Robin Koch.
Here is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
- A look at the starting XI.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
- Given the performance of Daniel Peretz for Israel and Alexander Nübel for Germany, could Bayern Munich have an embarrassment of riches at goalkeeper?
- How are we feeling about Germany after this one?
Manchester City and Pep Guardiola could be ready to extend his contract through 2026 with an option for 2027:
All documents are ready for Man City to announce and confirm new deal for Pep Guardiola.
It will be valid until June 2026 with an option to extend until June 2027, as planned.
Pep and his backroom staff already approved all the documents and clauses. pic.twitter.com/bTz08bELq8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2024
What happens with Guardiola will have massive effects across Europe. Much of the roster is beholden to the coach. If something falls apart with the coach’s negotiations, a roster fallout could follow.
Manchester City knows this and will likely use its vast financial means to get the deal done.
Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels might be eyeing up a January move:
Florian Plettenberg also reports that Mats Hummels could be on the move this winter if his situation at AS Roma doesn’t improve under new manager Claudio Ranieri. The veteran centre-back has made just one appearance in Serie A this season, having joined the club from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer The 35-year-old has also “not ruled out” the possibility of retiring from football should he continue to be benched. Roma have been informed about the centre-back’s career plans.
Bayern Munich is still out of action, but Germany has supplied enough quality to keep our eyes and minds busy, but it is not as if there is not a lot to talk about with the Bavarians.
Let’s take a look at some of the big topics for this week on the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- We’ve fought it the best we could, but it is time to admit that if Bayern Munich has the chance to team up Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz they should get it done as soon as possible.
- Germany is legit now. Julian Nagelsmann is working magic like we have not seen in a long time. Can he keep it going or is Germany peaking too early?
- Could Hansi Flick lure away Bayern Munich’s talent? At least one report indicates that the Bavarians are at least a little worried that Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, and….Musiala (!?) could all be drawn to Flick.
