Manchester City could rival FC Barcelona for the signature of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich. Will the Germany international look to reunite with hold old boss, Pep Guardiola? Let’s take a look:
Could Manchester City face a transfer battle to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich? The champions do appear in the market for reliable support for Rodri. Joshua Kimmich is potentially a player who could provide experienced support to City’s midfield general. But a new report indicates that Manchester City would face a battle to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder.
A new report from Graeme Bailey which was relayed by Shaun Webbley for HITC indicates that Manchester City would face competition from Barcelona for the signature of Joshua Kimmich. HITC reports that Kimmich has 12 months remaining on his current contract with Bayern Munich and is currently assessing his options. Furthermore, HITC reports that City and Barcelona have significant interest in signing Kimmich.
As a player, Joshua Kimmich appears ready-made for Pep Guardiola’s squad. The German international would know the demands of his manager given he has previously played under Guardiola. He also has a proven pedigree at Bayern Munich in the Champions League from across his illustrious career. If the champions wanted a player who could step in almost immediately and support Rodri Kimmich does seem like the ideal candidate for that role.
What Manchester City wouldn’t want is to be drawn into a transfer battle for Kimmich’s services. Traditionally the champions don’t get drawn into protracted negotiations or battles for new signings. If Kimmich decides he wants to head to the Etihad it would be expected that City would move for the midfielder. If he doesn’t or takes his time making a decision it wouldn’t be a surprise to City shift their attention elsewhere in the market. Kimmich’s decision on his future will be something to watch for over the transfer window.
Manchester City’s potential move for Joshua Kimmich is just one of several stories to watch for this summer. He appears ideally suited to a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. But whether or not the champions will get drawn into a battle for his signature remains to be seen.
Things seem as distant between Bayern Munich and Kimmich as they have ever been. Is there a lack of appreciate toward Kimmich from the new front office? Is the star player bitter from the lack of involvement from executives as he battled with Thomas Tuchel last season?
It is very unclear what is going on, but it does feel like Kimmich will seriously consider his options after Germany’s stint at the EURO 2024 competition this summer.
Manchester City wants to ink Erling Haaland to a contract extension as soon as possible:
Manchester City want Erling Haaland to sign a new contract and have made agreeing a fresh deal a priority.
Germany swung and swung relentlessly at Ukraine, but the Ukrainian defense decided to honour their fellow countryman and recently crowned undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk by maneuvering expertly around all the offense thrown at them with excellent blocks and weaves.
In this episode of the Postgame Show, Cyler (Rayyan) goes over the game, including:
- The starting XIs and general shape of both Germany and Ukraine.
- The tactical decisions made by head coach Julian Nagelsmann, namely those seemingly made to conserve the players.
- How Germany are beginning to break into the final third, but are failing to break through when in the final third.
- Some exciting individual performances from Maximilian Beier and Maximilian Mittelstädt.
- Some worrying individual performances from Kai Havertz and İlkay Gündoğan.
- The social dynamics of the team, and how Gündoğan’s captaincy is likely more important behind the scenes than on the pitch.
Former Bayern Munich malcontent Ryan Gravenberch had a so-so season with Liverpool FC and wants to remain with the Reds moving forward:
Ryan Gravenberch on his future: “I hope to play here at Liverpool for years to come, it’s a top club”.
“I’ve never spoken to Arne Slot but he is a trainer who likes attacking football”.
“That should suit me, you would think. We will see!”, told @ADnl. pic.twitter.com/jWGDOK118J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 28, 2024
New FC Barcelona boss Hansi Flick wants Alejandro Balde to step his game up and make an Alphonso Davies-like ascension into stardom:
With Hansi Flick now officially appointed as Barcelona’s new manager, the new era can now begin at the Estadi Olimpic. This will allow several players to re-evaluate their place in the squad starting from this summer, and one of those whose status will increase if full-back Alejandro Balde.
Balde has emerged as the starting left-back over the last couple of seasons, and under Flick, he is to be considered as an indispensable player, as per MD. The German coach sees Balde as playing the same role that Alphonso Davies grew into brilliantly during his first years as a Bayern Munich player.
Davies, who has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, developed into the best left-back in the world during Flick’s tenure at Bayern, and Barcelona will hope that Balde can follow in the footsteps of the Canadian.
Balde will be a nailed-on starter for Barcelona next season, and he will hope for better fortunes than he got in the 2023-24 campaign, which was ended prematurely for him when he tore his hamstring in January. His recovery from that injury is in its final stages now, so he will be back in time for pre-season.
Bayern Munich, usually a very well run club, is going through a dreadful transition period currently. Vincent Kompany has taken over as manager and things are not exactly rosy. We look at how Kompany’s time at Bayern might pan out, recent transfer rumors and more including:
- A video of Kompany berating players is rumored to be circulating among Bayern players — will this help or hurt Kompany?
- Will many players leave Bayern Munich ahead of the next season?
- Does Bayern Munich really need to be rebuilt?
- Are the expectations for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany too high?
- What will be considered a successful European championship tournament for Germany?
- Should Leroy Sané’s contract be extended?
- A few thoughts on Borussia Dortmund’s defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.
New Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany could be pushing for a move to get Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee:
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, as relayed by Spanish media, Arsenal are preparing an official bid for Zirkzee, but Bundesliga giants Bayern also have the striker on their list of potential targets and are “involved” in the race.
The Bavarians, who will now be lead by new manager Kompany (Fabrizio Romano), possess a buy-back clause regarding Zirkzee – which hands them an advantage. However, if they decide not to formalise their interest, Arsenal would be handed a fairly clear run.
Arsenal chiefs apparently want to move quickly for Zirkzee as they seek to end their long search for a natural striker of real quality. Stefano Pioli, commenting on the £51 million Zirkzee last season, claimed he is a striker who “has everything.”
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen would prefer a move to Chelsea FC over Paris Saint-Germain:
Victor Osimhen will snub interest from PSG and Saudi Arabia in order to complete a switch to Chelsea.
Bayern Munich officially hired Vincent Kompany to lead the club into a new era.
Just how long that era lasts remains to be seen, but the new coach will have his work cut out for him as he will need to navigate a few different tasks aside of just establishing himself as a manager.
Kompany will not only have to figure out how to get the best out of his current roster, but also will have to help identify new players, which current players need to go, how to win trophies, and do it all without wilting under the spotlight of being a head coach in Bavaria.
There is a ton to discuss, so let’s get to it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Weekend Warm-up Podcast:
- Examining the insane story regarding Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wanting Hansi Flick for a year — and Flick agreeing to it — only to get overruled by Max Eberl and Christoph Freund.
- Kompany, Eberl, and Freund want a squad overhaul. Specifically, Bayern Munich wants to unload six players with big salaries, but who? Let’s take a look at the possibilities. Is it really necessary? We don’t think so! Let’s discuss it!
- Some thoughts on Germany’s camp (so far).
- Transfer comings and goings — and why Bayern Munich could be serving itself a recipe for disaster.
Borussia Dortmund legen Marco Reus could be headed to the Los Angeles Galaxy:
Los Angeles Galaxy, extremely confident to make Marco Reus deal happen as reported two days ago.
There’s still some work to do on player side and it could take some days, but LA Galaxy want Reus and their proposal is currently the best one on the table.
Work in progress. pic.twitter.com/5yXizwRmXQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2024
It is a shame that injuries ravaged Reus’ career in Germany, but this is a risky move for the LA Galaxy. it is very unclear just how much Reus has left in the tank. Even playing in a lesser league might not afford him the chance to go out on top.
Borussia Dortmund center-back Mats Hummels was probably the most (or second most) notable omission from the German national team — especially after the incredible season that the veteran had.
If you want a glimpse at just how good Hummels was, just look at some of his stats from the Champions League this season: