Barcelona target available for €30-35m this summer, wants to join 'role model' Xavi at Camp Nou: Reports
Barcelona's pursuit of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has reportedly been handed a major boost.
Spanish journalist Fernando Polo (via Managing Barca) reports that Kimmich will be available for €30-35 million this summer. The German midfielder has a year left on his contract and the Bavarians may be looking to cash in.
Kimmich, 29, has been a key player for Bayern for several years and is regarded as one of Europe's best central midfielders. He's made 37 appearances across competitions, registering two goals and nine assists this season.
However, the 84-cap Germany international has been at loggerheads with outgoing manager Thomas Tuchel. The pair's relationship has reportedly broken down and the former Chelsea boss tried signing a new defensive midfielder last summer.
Kimmich has reportedly spoken to Xavi about a move to Barcelona and he wants to join the La Liga giants. He'd be playing under the Spanish coach whom he views as his role model (via the Bundesliga's official website):
"My role model was always Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona. He was never the greatest, but had an eye for the game, passing, technique. He was always trying to put others in the limelight."
The Blaugrana are set to freshen up their squad this summer and will do so under Xavi's watch. The Spaniard is staying at Camp Nou after performing a U-turn over a departure and he may have Kimmich at his disposal come next season.
Xavi claimed Joshua Kimmich was 'the perfect player for Barcelona' several years ago
Xavi's admiration of Kimmich is well-documented and the Barca boss spoke glowingly in 2019 of the German during an encounter between the pair. The Catalans icon was still playing in Qatar with Al Sadd Sports Club after leaving Camp Nou in 2015 (via Bulinews.com):
"When I saw you playing, I knew right away that you could become a great player. And you are today! Joshua is the present and future of FC Bayern and the German national team. And you can really play in any position. With your playing style, you would be the perfect player for FC Barcelona."
Kimmich is renowned for his composure on the ball and relentless work off the ball. His versatility has been a real asset for Bayern as he can play in a variety of midfield roles and at right-back.
The eight-time Bundesliga champion could be viewed as Sergio Busquets' long-term replacement. The Spanish defensive midfielder left Barcelona last summer and the La Liga giants are yet to replace him.