€80 million-rated Bayern Munich midfielder ready to force Barcelona transfer

In a positive development for FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is willing to put pressure on his club in order to force a transfer away to Catalonia in the summer window.

This claim comes from Fernando Polo and Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, who report that Kimmich is keen on a change of scenery and is eager to join the La Liga champions.

Barcelona are in the market for a defensive midfielder as they prepare to bid goodbye to captain Sergio Busquets. Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has been at the top of Xavi Hernandez’s wishlist, but his signing is seen as complicated.

Kimmich, to that end, has emerged as the next priority for the Blaugrana in their bid to address the pivot midfield position. And, Xavi has asked the club to do everything in their power to land the 28-year-old, whose market value stands at €80 million.

Kimmich is contracted to Bayern Munich until 2025 but is open to pursuing a new challenge in his career. He is aware of Barça’s admiration towards him and would love the idea of joining the La Liga champions to play under Xavi.

With Lionel Messi not returning, the Catalan giants will have more Fair Play margin and Xavi wants the club to throw everything at Kimmich’s signing. The Blaugrana have been aware of the German international’s desire to leave Bavaria and that his first preference for his next club is Barcelona.

Furthermore, Kimmich is ready to follow in the footsteps of Robert Lewandowski and fight for a transfer to Barça. And having learnt about this, the club, too, are ready to go at his signing with everything, even though they are aware that a top footballer like him will not come cheap.

It will not be easy to pull off, but with Kimmich seemingly willing to put pressure on Bayern from his end, Barcelona might stand a chance of landing their preferred No. 6 in the summer.

If not, Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina could be an alternative, and a much cheaper one at that, given that he could be available for as little as €20 million.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.