Joshua Kimmich is in the picture to succeed Sergio Busquets at Barcelona, writes Mundo Deportivo. The midfielder, seen as Martín Zubimendi’s cheap alternative, is no longer enjoying himself at Bayern Munich and hints at an early split. The sudden departure of Julian Nagelsmann would be the reason for this. Bayern are reportedly already looking for a replacement for Kimmich.
Last Tuesday, Barcelona announced that club legend Busquets will leave next summer, after no less than 719 official matches in the first team of Blaugrana. The midfielder’s departure should eventually lead to Messi returning to the Spotify Camp Nou, as space is made on the payroll. With his age and experience, Busquets is one of the heavyweights in Barcelona’s financial household book.
Following the return of Messi, Busquets’ succession is seen as the top priority in the transfer market for the Catalan powerhouse. Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) has long been seen as the most important candidate, but his price tag of sixty million euros leads to friction within the board. Joan Laporta does not feel like paying a fortune to a club that has turned against Barcelona since the much-discussed Negreira case.
Kimmich is expected to be brought to Catalonia for less. The captain of the German national team is seriously considering a new adventure outside the Bundesliga. Kimmich did not agree with Nagelsmann’s dismissal and would hint at a departure. The big advantage is that the German can also play as a right back, a position that must also be strengthened next summer.
Role
Kimmich would be charmed by the project Xavi puts down at Barcelona, especially now that it is starting to pay off with the first national title since 2019. The midfielder is assured of Champions League football at Barça and can immediately do a lot due to the departure of Busquets get responsibility. The 28-year-old German international has already indicated that he wants to continue ‘until his 38th’. The inspector must also play an important role outside the field.
Despite a contract that runs until mid-2025, Bayern is not expected to get in the way if Kimmich actually wants to leave. The midfielder has meant a lot to the club and has to leave through the front door. Last summer, Barcelona already did successful business with the record master by recruiting Robert Lewandowski for 45 million euros. In addition to the Polish striker, Kimmich also maintains warm ties with Marc-André ter Stegen, whom he knows from the national team.