3 months ago
24 Christian Falk has now confirmed that Joshua Kimmich is set to be handed his chance to impress in midfield under new boss Vincent Kompany.
The Bayern Munich footballer, previously linked with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal (Evening Standard via Yahoo!Sport), had been tipped to depart the club this summer amid a fractious relationship with former boss Thomas Tuchel.
Despite recent links with free agent Adrien Rabiot, the Bavarians are planning with their No.6 for the 2024/25 season.
“There were talks in the past for Adrien Rabiot back when Hasan Salihamidžić was the sports director. At the moment, this isn’t hot, as Bayern are planning with Joshua Kimmich in this position. He will return in the midfield and be handed a clean slate,” the head of football at the BILD Group told CaughtOffside.
Now, things look set to change following the German’s departure, which isn’t great news for some of the Premier League’s top sides who may have held hopes of snapping up the 29-year-old on the cheap.
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When does Joshua Kimmich’s contract expire?
Joshua Kimmich in action for Bayern Munich – (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)The former RB Leipzig star’s current terms are set to expire in the summer of 2025, as things currently stand.
Assuming that the midfielder is given assurances over game time, however, he could very well be open to the prospect of extending his stay in the German top-flight.
A solution for Liverpool’s No.6 dilemma?
Ryan Gravenberch impressed against Ipswich Town – (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)The Merseysiders have still yet to make a first senior signing of the summer – let alone find a long-term solution to their No.6 dilemma in the market.
Top transfer target Martin Zubimendi rejected the chance to work with Arne Slot at Anfield, despite reportedly being seriously tempted by the possibility.
Ultimately, the grand mountains and world-class food of San Sebastian won out over Liverpool’s natural allure as bona fide European giants. A rare show of loyalty in football, and a seemingly devasting blow for sporting director Richard Hughes in his opening window in charge of the Reds’ recruitment.
Though, perhaps not a fatal blow, if Ryan Gravenberch has anything to say on the matter. The versatile Dutch midfielder, whilst not quite looking directionless under Jurgen Klopp, had yet to find his true space under the former Borussia Dortmund boss.
Under a change of management, however, that appears to have changed in a significant way. The 22-year-old looked a force to be reckoned with in the second half of action at Portman Road, shutting down attacks and contributing to build-up. An ideal fit, some might feel inclined to suggest, for Slot’s brand of more possession-focused football, judging by his involvement against Ipswich Town.
Perhaps Liverpool have no need of Kimmich’s services after all!
