"Hansi Flick holds him in very high regard" - Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus believes star man might join Barcelona in the future
Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus believes that German midfielder Joshua Kimmich can join Hansi Flick's Barcelona in the future. La Blaugrana have been interested in signing the 29-year-old for a long time.
Joshua Kimmich, who joined Bayern from VfB Stuttgart in July 2015, last signed a contract extension with the club in 2021. After spending a decade with the Bundesliga giants, his ongoing deal with the Bavarians will expire in the summer of 2025. As a result, Kimmich will be free to explore other options in the transfer market, and currently, Barcelona seems like his new potential destination.
During an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus said that Kimmich might be looking forward to new challenges. As a result, he can reunite with Hansi Flick at Camp Nou in the summer transfer window. He said:
"Bayern have a great team, a great style of play and a great atmosphere. But maybe Kimmich wants to try something different. We know that at Barcelona there is a coach, Hansi Flick, who holds him in very high regard."
Joshua Kimmich has made 406 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich, bagging 42 goals and 108 assists. In his initial days at Bayern, he mostly played a right back, but he later solidified his place as a prolific defensive midfielder. He has rotated between the two roles in recent seasons.
He has also made 95 appearances for the German national team, scoring seven goals and providing 21 assists.
Barcelona interested in signing Borussia Dortmund forward: Reports
Hansi Flick's Barcelona are reportedly looking forward to signing Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen, as per SPORT. Blaugrana's frontline of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha have performed exceptionally well under Flick this season.
However, the LaLiga giants lack depth in terms of attackers. As per the aforementioned report, Dutch attacker Donyell Malen is keen to leave Dortmund as he wants to play in the Premier League or LaLiga. The 25-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund from PSV Eindhoven in July 2021.
Since then, he has made 125 appearances across competitions, bagging 38 goals and 20 assists. However, this season, Malen has started only four out of 10 Bundesliga matches for Dortmund. In 14 appearances across competitions this season, the Dutchman has bagged four goals and one assist.
His current contract with Black Yellow will expire in 2026, and he's valued at €40 million. The LaLiga giants were also reportedly linked with AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.