Joshua Kimmich has been, for years, one of FC Barcelona's great desires. His quality, versatility, and leadership have made him a priority target for the blaugrana club, which has closely followed him in different transfer markets.
With his contract at Bayern Munich coming to an end in June, the uncertainty about his future has been a recurring topic in European football. However, in recent days, the player has already made a decision that could change the landscape for many clubs.
The Situation Has Taken a Turn
For months, Kimmich and Bayern Munich have been in tense negotiations over his renewal. The player was not entirely convinced with the Bavarian club's initial offer. This sparked the interest of several European teams that saw a golden opportunity to sign him at no cost.
The situation became even more complex when some sources in Germany claimed that Bayern's renewal offer had expired. This led to speculation that his departure was imminent. However, in recent weeks, Bayern has reacted and managed to convince their star to stay.
According to the German outlet Bild, Kimmich has reached a preliminary agreement with Bayern to extend his contract until 2029. This would be a blow to those teams that dreamed of signing him. The official announcement of the agreement is expected in a matter of days.
Key in Kompany's Scheme
Despite doubts about his continuity, Kimmich has remained an essential piece at Bayern this season. Under Vincent Kompany's orders, the German midfielder has played 34 matches, scoring one goal and being crucial in the team's scheme.
His performance in the Bundesliga and the Champions League has been decisive for Bayern to compete at the highest level again. With his renewal practically closed, everything indicates that Kimmich will continue to lead the Bavarian team's midfield for several more years.
How Does This Affect Barça?
For FC Barcelona, this news is a severe blow to their sports planning. Although Kimmich was no longer a priority due to the club's financial limitations, his possible free arrival was a tempting option to strengthen the midfield without making a significant investment.
With the German out of the equation, Barça will have to focus on other alternatives to strengthen their squad. The sports management was already evaluating other options, and the priority remains to find a profile that can provide solidity and quality in the midfield.
However, Barça was not the only team interested in Kimmich. His decision to renew leaves another European giant, which had him on their wish list, in a complicated situation.
The Club That Loses the Most with Kimmich's Decision
Beyond Barça, the team most affected by the German's decision is Paris Saint-Germain. The French team had been pushing hard to convince Kimmich to make the leap to Ligue 1. For months, it was considered the most viable option for the player if he left Bayern.
PSG sees Kimmich as the ideal profile to lead their midfield in the new post-Mbappé era. But now they will have to look for alternatives in the market. His signing with Bayern Munich leaves PSG without one of their main options and could provoke a change in their strategy for the next transfer market.
With Kimmich renewed, Barça and PSG will have to redesign their plans to strengthen the midfield.