Man City add Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich to January transfer window wishlist – Paper Talk

Man City add Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich to January transfer window wishlist - Paper Talk
Man City add Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich to January transfer window wishlist - Paper Talk

Manchester City has reportedly added Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich to their January transfer window wishlist, fueling speculation about a potentially significant move. According to various sources, the Premier League champions are monitoring Kimmich’s situation closely, as the German international approaches the final year of his contract with Bayern. With uncertainties surrounding his future at the Bundesliga giants, Manchester City sees this as a rare opportunity to acquire one of Europe’s most versatile and accomplished players.

Kimmich’s Situation at Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich has been a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s success since joining the club in 2015. The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in world football, while also excelling at right-back when required. Over his nine years at the Allianz Arena, Kimmich has amassed an impressive haul of silverware, including eight Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and multiple domestic cups.

Despite his immense value to the club, Kimmich’s future at Bayern remains unclear. His current contract runs until June 2025, and talks over a renewal have reportedly stalled. Bayern Munich’s board has adopted a stricter policy in recent years regarding players approaching the final year of their contracts, with the club keen to avoid losing valuable assets for free. This has opened the door for clubs like Manchester City, who are ready to capitalize on the situation.

There are reports suggesting that Kimmich might be available for as little as £10-15 million in January, given his contract status. While Bayern is unlikely to let him leave mid-season easily, the Bavarian giants could be tempted if they believe he will not commit to a new long-term deal.

Why Manchester City Wants Kimmich

For Manchester City, the pursuit of Joshua Kimmich aligns with their strategy of adding proven, versatile players to an already world-class squad. Under Pep Guardiola, City has dominated English football, and their recent Champions League triumph demonstrated their European credentials. However, Guardiola, who previously managed Kimmich at Bayern Munich, is always looking to strengthen his options.

One of the key reasons City is targeting Kimmich is his versatility. While primarily a defensive midfielder, he can also slot in seamlessly as a right-back—positions that City need to bolster. Guardiola has often rotated his full-backs this season, with Kyle Walker and young academy graduate Rico Lewis sharing duties. Kimmich’s ability to perform at the highest level in either role makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s tactical system.

Additionally, City is looking to prepare for a future without Ilkay Gündogan, who left for Barcelona last summer. While summer signing Mateo Kovačić has impressed alongside Rodri, City still lacks depth in key positions, especially given their involvement in multiple competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. Kimmich’s experience and leadership would immediately elevate City’s midfield.

Guardiola and Kimmich’s Relationship

The potential reunion between Guardiola and Kimmich adds further intrigue to this transfer saga. Pep Guardiola brought Kimmich to Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2015 and played a crucial role in his development. Guardiola famously praised Kimmich’s footballing intelligence, professionalism, and adaptability during their time together, even predicting that he would become one of the best players in the world.

Guardiola’s admiration for Kimmich is well-documented, and their relationship could play a pivotal role in luring the German international to the Etihad Stadium. At Manchester City, Kimmich would slot into a system that demands technical excellence, positional awareness, and versatility—attributes he possesses in abundance.

Bayern Munich’s Stance

While Manchester City’s interest is genuine, Bayern Munich will likely resist any mid-season transfer, especially as they chase another Bundesliga title and aim for Champions League success. Losing a key player like Kimmich in January would be a significant blow for manager Thomas Tuchel, who relies on the midfielder’s leadership and tactical awareness.

However, Bayern faces a dilemma: if Kimmich does not renew his contract, they risk losing him for free in 2025. Selling him in January for a substantial fee could allow Bayern to reinvest in the squad while avoiding uncertainty.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s interest in Joshua Kimmich represents a fascinating subplot ahead of the January transfer window. With Guardiola’s long-standing admiration for the player and City’s need to strengthen key positions, a move for Kimmich makes perfect sense. Whether Bayern Munich will agree to part ways with their midfield general remains to be seen, but as Kimmich’s contract situation unfolds, this transfer saga will be one to watch closely in the coming weeks.

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