Bayern Munich sporting director Christopher Freund revealed that he is “positive” Joshua Kimmich will turn down transfer interest from a fleet of Europe’s elite to sign a new contract with the Bavarians this year.
Kimmich’s current deal at Bayern expires in June. The versatile midfielder signed his last extension back in August 2021 and is approaching a decade of trophy-laden service for the German giants. The 29-year-old confirmed that he would make a decision this month, but is yet to settle on his future.
Freund is certainly confident. “I’m positive that he will ultimately decide to continue playing for FC Bayern,” the former Austrian player told Sky Germany this weekend. The director had just watched his side hang on to a 2-1 victory over Freiburg on Saturday, with Kimmich delivering the corner which led to Kim Min-jae’s decisive second goal.
The Germany international lined up at right-back for the trip to the Black Forest, but has started all of Bayern’s previous 18 Bundesliga matches this season in midfield. Vincent Kompany has not rested his reliable holding controller for a single minute this term, showing a level of faith in the player which his predecessor Thomas Tuchel never matched.
Throughout his stormy 15-month tenure in Bavaria, Tuchel repeatedly and publicly demanded the club sign “a proper holding No. 6” as “we don’t have that type of player”.
This outward show of discontent coincided with Kimmich’s stalled contract talks. Several clubs from across the continent have sensed an opportunity to snap up a serial champion for free this summer. Liverpool joined Manchester City and Barcelona in the race for Kimmich’s coveted signature this month, while Real Madrid have also emerged as a heavily interested party.
When the new links to Real Madrid were put to Kimmich by BILD post-game, the midfielder showed his frustrations. “I made a relatively clear statement two weeks ago,” he huffed.
“There’s no change in the situation now. To be honest, I can’t stand up every three days and give you an update. There will be an update at some point, but I’m not going to comment on it every three days.”
