Bayern Munich willing to offer Joshua Kimmich in audacious swap deal with Barcelona: Reports
According to a report by SPORT, Bavarian giants Bayern Munich are open to a swap deal with Barcelona involving German World Cup Winner Joshua Kimmich. The Bundesliga giants have reportedly warmed to the idea of selling the fullback recently and are open to taking Ronald Araujo or Frenkie De Jong in exchange.
The report suggests that Araujo and De Jong are both currently valued higher than Kimmich, due to the difference in their contract situations. Bayern Munich will, however, be open to adding cash to a potential deal with the Catalan side. Blaugrana have been hot on the tail of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and the cash-strapped side will need all the cash they can get.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly a massive fan of Joshua Kimmich, with the German star being adept at nearly every position on the pitch. With Barcelona legend Xavi deciding to stay with his boyhood club, Joan Laporta and the higher-ups will have to decide how best to back their manager this summer.
Bayern Munich will hope they can rebuild their team this summer and regain their crown from Bayer Leverkusen who recently dethroned them in the Bundesliga.
Barcelona President and fans key to Xavi U-Turn
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez revealed that the support he enjoys from fans and the president played a vital part in his decision to remain with Blaugrana. The Spanish legend was set to leave the club at the end of the season following his announcement in January. However, the outpouring of support he has received forced him to change his mind.
The Catalan boss said in a press conference following his decision to stay at his post beyond this summer:
“It was a not a simple decision, in January I said (I would leave) because I thought it was best for the club. I am full of hope, these three months have made me change, the players believe in it, and wise people are willing to rectify, here I am. It’s not about ego, or money, I have energy, I see the fans are happy and proud — it’s a cocktail of reasons, above all the confidence of the president and (sporting director) Deco.”
The Barcelona boss concluded, saying:
“Above all I said yesterday to Deco, the president... that the team has improved a lot. Two years ago we went to Bayern (Munich) and I had the feeling that we weren’t up to it. Now I think we’re in shape to compete with the biggest teams in Europe."