Barcelona long-term midfield target could push for an exit in the summer – report

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich may not continue in Germany beyond the ongoing season, with a report from Mundo Deportivo affirming that he is extremely unhappy with his playing position, having been forced to play at his unfavoured right-back spot.

Against Freiburg recently, the German international played out wide and local media was quick to make him the scapegoat in a 2-2 draw.

“He did not work hard enough and the Freiburg team realized this to repeatedly attack the right side of Kimmich’s defence,” read a report from BILD as relayed by MD.

At this moment, the 29-year-old is extremely unhappy with the Bavarians and this is exactly where Barcelona can step in, in their pursuit. 

Links can reignite

It must be noted that Kimmich has been linked with Barcelona since past summer. However, due to financial and regulatory issues at Barcelona and Kimmich’s established position in his current team and the German national team, the idea of him joining Barcelona seems more like a dream than a realistic goal. 

But things might change because Kimmich is facing problems with his current coach, Thomas Tuchel, at Bayern, and this could affect his relationship with the German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann.

Joshua Kimmich might leave Bayern this summer. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

There are reports that Kimmich’s issues with Tuchel might repeat with Nagelsmann, who wants to make Toni Kroos the leader in the national team’s midfield for UEFA Euro. 

The German media suggests that Kimmich, who is uncomfortable with being moved to a right-back position, might be open to leaving Bayern because of the tactical confusion and disagreements with Tuchel that could impact his harmony with Nagelsmann and increase the possibility of him seeking a new team.

A departure on the horizon

The 29-year-old has a contract with Bayern until 2025 and he could consider leaving in the summer if the situation does not change. This is because if he plays as a right-back for the national team, the new Bayern manager is likely to hand him the same role.

This is why it is not unreasonable to think about a possible exit that could benefit everyone involved. In this situation, he needs to figure out what would be the best option for him.

Bayern are expected to undergo several changes in the summer and Kimmich’s potential departure is part of it. This could be good for both the player and the team and even for Barcelona as they can acquire their long-term target at a low price.