According to a report from Sport Bild journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Joshua Kimmich is no longer in Bayern Munich’s plans for the central midfield, which could lead to his departure this summer:
Joshua Kimmich is not part of the club’s plans in the central midfield position for next season. The tendency is towards a separation.
Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg backed up Sport Bild’s report and released some additional context. Plettenberg also stated that Kimmich has targeted Manchester City, Liverpool FC, Arsenal FC, Real Madrid, or FC Barcelona:
As revealed and now confirmed again: Joshua #Kimmich could leave FC Bayern already this summer!
▫️Kimmich, captain and regular starter, can leave the club with a suitable offer. No Bayern plans about a contract extension beyond 2025
▫️Vincent Kompany with other plans for central midfield. Joao Palhinha, still the desired target!
A separation between Kimmich/Bayern is getting closer. Now or next year at the latest. Kimmich would be ready to go into the final year of his contract. He only wants to join ManCity, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Barcelona.
BFW Analysis
The reports offer some leeway for Kimmich to remain at Bayern Munich as a right-back, but it is unclear if he wants to play the position long-term.
This is not the first time that Kimmich’s future in Bavaria has been reported to be in peril. Rumors regarding Kimmich’s exit were there prior to the hiring of Kompany, but they have been more persistent since the ex-Burnley boss was named manager. It just seems that Bayern Munich’s new regime are not as enamored with Kimmich as previous front groups.
What has become clear is that if Kimmich wants to play central midfield, it likely will not be at Bayern Munich. So, yeah, things look bad…really bad, for the long run when it comes to envisioning Kimmich and Bayern Munich extending his contract.
Kimmich could stay for next season or — worse — play out one more year and leave for free. The Bayern Munich front office seems intent on scrubbing quite a few veteran leaders off the roster. Will the strategy work…or will this new regime prove to be yet another misstep for the club as it seeks to get back on track?