Joshua Kimmich, the German midfielder and captain, has been at the center of intense speculation regarding his future at Bayern Munich. His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and recent developments suggest that he is likely to extend his stay with the Bavarian club.
Background
Kimmich has been a pivotal figure for Bayern Munich since joining in 2015. Despite turning 30, he remains one of the team’s most reliable players, contributing significantly to their success. His contract situation has been a topic of interest for several months, with top European clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly monitoring his situation.
Recent Developments
- Contract Negotiations: Recent talks between Kimmich and Bayern Munich have been described as “very positive,” with all parties now open to extending his contract beyond 2025. Journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that negotiations are progressing well, and further details are being finalized.
- Bayern’s Position: Bayern Munich initially withdrew their contract offer, which led to speculation about Kimmich’s potential departure. However, the club has since revisited the negotiations, and a decision on his future is expected before the March international break.
- Kimmich’s Stance: Kimmich has expressed his appreciation for the time Bayern has given him to make a decision. He initially hoped to resolve his contract situation before the international break but acknowledged that the club wanted a decision sooner, particularly before their matches against Bayer Leverkusen.
- Interest from Other Clubs: Despite interest from Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, Kimmich seems inclined to stay at Bayern Munich. Other clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, have also been linked to him, but there are no active talks with Real Madrid, as they prioritize Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Future Prospects
The potential extension of Kimmich’s contract would be a significant victory for Bayern Munich, following recent long-term deals for players like Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala. This move would help stabilize the team’s core for the foreseeable future, although other key players’ contracts still need to be resolved.
In summary, Joshua Kimmich is on the verge of extending his contract with Bayern Munich, despite interest from other top European clubs. The positive progress in negotiations suggests that a formal announcement could be imminent, securing Kimmich’s future at the Allianz Arena.
