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Barcelona have suffered a transfer blow as their top target, Joshua Kimmich, has claimed that he is open to signing a new contract at his current club, Bayern Munich. As per reports, La Blaugrana view Kimmich as a long-term replacement for legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets in their midfield.
They have been waiting for Kimmich to run down his contract, in order to sign the versatile midfielder on a free transfer. With less than a year left on his contract, reports indicated that the German midfielder would leave the Bavarians as a free agent next summer.
In March 2024, Kimmich gave an interview to Sport BILD, stating that he had not discussed a contract with anyone at the club. He said (via Bavarian Football Works):
“No one has spoken to me yet. We’ll see what happens. For me the most important thing is that I perform well, I can’t influence the rest.”
Kimmich added:
"It’s not so bad here - even though we haven’t been quite as successful in terms of football in recent years. I have to say very clearly that I haven’t gone to bed happy every night for the past two or three years."
Barcelona only needed to wait till January, six months to the end of Kimmich's contract, to agree to personal terms with the midfielder and secure his signature for free in the summer. However, when he was recently asked about his contract situation, the Bayern Munich midfielder said (via Barca Universal):
"I’m available to discuss with the club. It’s always nice to feel the support from the club, and I’m just enjoying the moment. It’s important to win games."
Kimmich has partaken in all three of Bayern's wins in the Bundesliga this season, playing the full 90 minutes in every game. Barcelona may need to persuade Kimmich against renewing his contract by convincing him about their sporting project in Spain.
Barcelona enjoy impressive run of form in La Liga
La Blaugrana have started the 2024-25 La Liga season under German tactician Hansi Flick in grand style, winning all five games of their games so far.
The highlight of their season has been the 7-0 win over Real Valladolid on August 31, as Raphinha scored a hat-trick. While other games have not been this easy, they have remained an unstoppable force in La Liga so far.
In their most recent match against Girona on Sunday, September 15, they secured a 4-1 win. Lamine Yamal scored a brace while Dani Olmo and Pedri netted once each. The midfield was held firmly by two 21-year-olds, Pedri and Marc Casado. These impressive performances will raise doubts about Barcelona's need to sign Kimmich, especially as they struggle with their finances.
