Barcelona no longer pursuing Bundesliga heavyweight due to La Masia duo’s emergence

Bayern Munich midfield ace Joshua Kimmich has been heavily linked with FC Barcelona in recent transfer windows.

The German international was seen as a priority transfer target back when Xavi Hernandez was in charge of the team and was even linked with the club this past summer after Hansi Flick took over as manager.

Heading into 2025, with his contract at Bayern Munich expiring, it has been suggested that Kimmich remains on the Blaugrana’s agenda as a potential free-agent signing.

In fact, Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus expressed fears that the midfielder might make the switch to Barça in the summer thanks to his connection with Flick.

Barcelona no longer interested

However, according to SPORT, Barcelona are no longer pursuing the signing of Kimmich, or any other defensive midfielder for that matter, thanks to the emergence of two La Masia talents in Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.

No longer a major target. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Bernal broke into the senior setup under Flick and was an immediate hit before seeing an unfortunate ACL injury bring an end to his season abruptly.

Bernal’s injury opened the doors for Casado to establish himself in the starting XI, which he has done in some style, becoming an indispensable member of Flick’s setup.

As such, Barça wish to continue betting on their academy duo for the future and are not looking at Kimmich or any other pivot for that matter, heading into the summer of 2025.

The report states that even though Flick has a very good relationship with the Bayern Munich midfielder his signing is not being contemplated, especially with the Catalans’ sporting director Deco also not seeing him as a suitable option.