Transfer Centre

Manchester City, Barcelona leading Joshua Kimmich race?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 07 November 2023

Man City, Barcelona leading Joshua Kimmich race?

Manchester City and Barcelona are reportedly regarded as the leading contenders in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.

Manchester City and Barcelona are reportedly regarded as the two most likely destinations for Joshua Kimmich should he leave Bayern Munich.

The versatile Germany international is currently in his ninth season at the Allianz Arena, establishing himself as a club legend in the process.

A total of 40 goals and 99 assists have been provided from 362 appearances in all competitions, with Kimmich also winning as many as 20 pieces of silverware.

However, for the first time since he moved to Bayern in 2015, there is the increasing possibility of a departure in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

Kimmich now has less than two years remaining on his contract and fresh terms being penned is not a foregone conclusion.

Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich celebrates scoring their first goal on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

According to Sport1, Kimmich has 'not felt the trust' of Bayern in recent months and is currently not inclined to extend his deal.

As it stands, there is no prospect of Bayern being prepared to cash in on Kimmich during the January transfer window, particularly when he remains a key man under Thomas Tuchel.

Twelve starts have been made in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, with the majority of his outings coming in central midfield.

Nevertheless, if the 28-year-old reaches next summer having not signed a new contract, Bayern will likely be open to allowing him to move elsewhere.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after the match on October 29, 2023 © Reuters

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is no stranger to working with Kimmich, whose first year at Bayern was spent with Guardiola as his manager.

Kimmich made 36 outings during that 2015-16 season in a variety of positions, and his experience would prove invaluable to City as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips, who is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium.

From Barcelona's perspective, they may have to wait to see if Kimmich becomes a free agent in 2025 before being able to match City in the market.

The Catalan giants will be working with a reduced salary cap ahead of 2024-25 and it will require a big-money sale for them to be viewed as realistic contenders to sign a player who possesses a price-tag in the range of Kimmich's.