Joshua Kimmich has declined to dismiss the possibility of leaving Bayern Munich this summer, but states he is ‘calm’ about the situation.
The 29-year-old, highly regarded as one of the best midfielders in European football, has entered the final 18 months of his contract at the Allianz Arena and discussions about a possible renewal have halted.
It’s known that top clubs in Europe are closely following the situation, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona all planning moves for Kimmich for the upcoming summer transfer window.
In January, Newcastle made a bold attempt to lure Kimmich away from Bayern, but the Germany player was not ready to leave the Bundesliga champions during the season.
Considering Kimmich could depart for free in 2025, Bayern might be enticed to sell their prized asset when they have the opportunity in the summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s imminent departure has further complicated matters in Munich, but Kimmich is trying to remain composed as Bayern strive to catch up with Xabi Alonso’s dominant Bayer Leverkusen.
‘The situation for me is very clear. I still have more than a year left on my contract, so I’m calm about it,’ Kimmich told the German newspaper Die Welt.
‘As of now, it is still unknown who our new coach will be starting from the summer. It is, of course, very interesting and important to know who it will be.
‘My first focus now is to make the season as positive as possible, in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League.
‘Then comes the Euros. These are the things that matter.’
According to Kimmich, Bayern have deviated from tradition in recent years, with Niko Kovac, Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann and Tuchel all arriving and departing within six years.
‘So many coaches in such a short time – that is clearly not typical for Bayern,’ he added.
‘However, I feel that this appears to be a general trend in football, that coaches are no longer staying for long and there is hardly any patience, except for Liverpool, Manchester City, Heidenheim or Freiburg. These are the exceptions.’
Second-placed Bayern are trailing Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen by ten points after 26 games and Kimmich finds it hard to accept the gap between the two teams.
Asked if it bothers him to look at the current Bundesliga table, he responded: Very, absolutely.
‘When you start the season with Bayern, you want to become champion.
‘But I also have to say that Bayer Leverkusen are having an outstanding season. We’re not doing great.
He added: ‘There are still points available – we haven’t given up yet.
‘But, of course, we see that Leverkusen are on a streak.
‘We go into every game aiming to win. We can’t control what Leverkusen does.’
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