“I will not wait until summer" - Bayern star Joshua Kimmich comments about future amid Barcelona transfer links
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich - a Barcelona target - has said that he won't wait till the summer to sort out his future. The 29-year-old is out of contract at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
Kimmich has been one of the key players for the Bavarian giants since his first-team debut in the 2015-16 season. He has made over 400 appearances across competitions, contributing 42 goals and 108 assists, winning eight Bundesliga and one UEFA Champions League title.
The Germany international is up to four assists in 19 outings across competitions for Vincent Kompany's runaway Bundesliga leaders this season. Two of those assists have come in the league and two in the Champions League.
However, with his contract running down, Bayern have been unable to tie down the midfielder to a fresh deal, with Barcelona reportedly hot on his heels. Sharing a sneak peek about his future plans, Kimmich told ZDF sportstudio (via Barca Blaugranes):
“I will not wait until summer. I will sit down in winter and then try to see the bigger picture. And make the right decision."
Last month, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen expressed the club's desire to keep hold of Joshua Kimmich (as per Abendzeitung via Barca Blaugranes):
“He feels at home in Munich and is a very important player in this team. He shows his class not only with us, but also in the national team. We have already said publicly that we want to start talks with him about a contract extension quickly. I would like him to continue to be one of the cornerstones of the team.”
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg (via Barca Blaugranes) has said that the Germany international is contemplating a La Liga or Premier League move as his transfer saga continues to evolve.
How Joshua Kimmich's Bayern Munich fared against Barcelona this season
Joshua Kimmich's Bayern Munich endured a forgettable night against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League this season. Hansi Flick's side ran riot at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, winning 4-1.
Barca had a dream start as the in-form Raphinha put them in front inside the opening minute. Kompany's side responded through a Harry Kane equaliser 17 minutes later, but it would be all Barca from there.
Striker Robert Lewandowski piled on the misery for his former side midway through the first half. Raphinha then put the hosts 3-1 ahead going into the break before completing his hat-trick.