Bayern midfielder unlikely to extend contract; Barcelona, Madrid, Man City likely destinations

Barcelona had a huge uphill task on their hands during the summer transfer window as Sergio Busquets decided not to renew his contract for another year and leave the Camp Nou as a free agent.

With little to no money in hand, Barça’s options in the market were limited. They had been flirting with several names like Sofyan Amrabat, Joshua Kimmich, Ruben Neves, Martin Zubimendi, among others, but ended up signing Oriol Romeu from Girona for €3.5 million.

While the Spaniard was undoubtedly a stop-gap signing, he did well to find his feet at the club early on. However, he has run into trouble in recent matches, crumbling under pressure – both physical and mental, which is costing Barcelona matches.

The blaugranes know they cannot rely on Romeu for bigger games, or consistently next season, and will likely dive into the market once again in the summer of 2024.

One of the names that has come up again is Joshua Kimmich, as per a report by SPORT1.

Kimmich unlikely to continue at Bayern Munich

Kimmich’s contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer of 2025. He is not completely comfortable at the club at present, the report states, and a possible contract extension this year seems farfetched.

There have been uncomfortable discussions over his role at the club, with coach Thomas Tuchel emphasising that he is not a holding midfielder in August.

However, after the game against Liverpool in preseason, Kimmich disagreed with the German coach’s assessment, saying, “I am a no. 6.”

The 28-year-old was a far more influential figure in the dressing room and on the pitch under previous coach Julian Nagelsmann, but has lost that prominence under Tuchel.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City among options

Barcelona had already publicly expressed their interest in signing Kimmich in the summer. Xavi had admitted that he is a big fan of the player, and that it would be a dream signing for the club.

The move did not end up happening, though, for several reasons, mostly due to Barça’s economic problems.

Should Kimmich not end up renewing his contract, Bayern could think about his departure in the summer. Barcelona are obviously one of the parties still interested.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also likely destinations, with the latter giving him the chance to reunite with Pep Guardiola, the manager who gave him his big break at Bayern.