Bayern Munich could let star walk for free despite interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City
Bayern Munich could potentially allow one of their star players, Joshua Kimmich, to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, despite significant interest from top Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. This development comes as a surprise to many, given Kimmich’s status as one of the Bundesliga’s most talented and versatile players. Over the past decade, Kimmich has been a mainstay in Bayern Munich’s starting lineup, initially making his mark in the heart of the midfield before transitioning to a right-back role in recent years. His adaptability, consistency, and leadership qualities have made him a player that both fans and managers can rely on, earning him a reputation as one of the most dependable figures in European football.
At 30 years old, Kimmich is still performing at the highest level, but his future at Bayern Munich is now uncertain. Multiple sources have reported that the club has withdrawn their contract offer to the German international, even though his current deal is set to expire in the summer. This decision comes as Bayern Munich have been working to secure new contracts for several of their key players, including Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala, with the latter recently signing an extension that will keep him at the club until 2030. Kimmich, who was expected to follow suit, has hesitated in committing his future to the club, leading to Bayern’s decision to withdraw their offer.
According to German publication *Bild*, Kimmich’s reluctance to sign a new contract has left Bayern officials puzzled. The report states, “Bayern officials cannot understand why he is still hesitating. They want a fundamental decision, not to talk to him about the contents of his contract. The man whom Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described as the ‘captain of the future’ back in 2020 can leave on a free transfer in the summer.” This situation has opened the door for Kimmich to potentially leave Bayern Munich without a transfer fee, making him an even more attractive prospect for clubs across Europe.
In recent years, Kimmich has been linked with a move to several top Premier League clubs. Last summer, Arsenal and Manchester City were reportedly particularly interested in securing his services, although they faced stiff competition from La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Liverpool have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Kimmich, largely due to his connection with former manager Jürgen Klopp, who left the club in 2023. While Klopp’s departure may have changed the dynamics of a potential move to Liverpool, Kimmich’s quality and experience would undoubtedly make him a valuable addition to any squad.
For Arsenal, Kimmich’s versatility would be a major asset. Mikel Arteta’s side has been in need of a player who can contribute both in midfield and at right-back, and Kimmich’s ability to excel in multiple positions would provide the Gunners with much-needed tactical flexibility. Similarly, Manchester City could view Kimmich as a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, who, at 34, is entering the latter stages of his career. Kimmich’s experience and leadership qualities would also make him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, which demands players who are comfortable both in possession and out of it.
Barcelona and Real Madrid, meanwhile, have long been admirers of Kimmich and could reignite their interest in the player if he becomes available on a free transfer. Both clubs have undergone significant squad rebuilds in recent years, and Kimmich’s arrival would add a layer of quality and experience to their respective midfields. However, the financial power of Premier League clubs, combined with the allure of playing in one of the most competitive leagues in the world, could give English teams the edge in the race for his signature.
For Bayern Munich, the potential loss of Kimmich on a free transfer would be a significant blow. The German international has been a cornerstone of the club’s success over the past decade, contributing to multiple Bundesliga titles, domestic cups, and their 2020 Champions League triumph. His departure would leave a void in the squad, both in terms of quality and leadership. Bayern’s decision to withdraw their contract offer suggests that they are unwilling to engage in prolonged negotiations, especially with other key players like Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies already secured. However, losing a player of Kimmich’s caliber for free would be a major setback for the club, both on and off the pitch.
Kimmich’s next move will be one of the most closely watched stories in football this summer. A free transfer would give him the opportunity to choose his destination without the constraints of a transfer fee, potentially leading to a lucrative contract offer. The Premier League remains an attractive option, with its competitive nature and financial power, but La Liga could also tempt Kimmich with the prospect of playing in Spain’s top flight. Ultimately, the decision will come down to Kimmich’s personal preferences and his desire to compete at the highest level.
For Bayern Munich, the situation highlights the challenges of managing a squad filled with world-class talent. While the club has been proactive in securing the futures of players like Musiala and Davies, Kimmich’s hesitation to commit has created an unexpected dilemma. If he does leave on a free transfer, it would mark the end of an era for Bayern and signal a new chapter in Kimmich’s illustrious career.
In conclusion, Joshua Kimmich’s future at Bayern Munich is hanging in the balance, with the club reportedly withdrawing their contract offer amid the player’s hesitation to commit. This development has put several top European clubs on alert, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City all keen to secure the services of the versatile German international. As the summer transfer window approaches, Kimmich’s next move will be one of the most closely watched stories in football. Whether he stays in Germany, moves to the Premier League, or heads to Spain, one thing is certain: Joshua Kimmich’s quality and experience will make him a valuable addition to any team. For Bayern Munich, the potential loss of Kimmich on a free transfer would be a significant setback, highlighting the challenges of managing a squad filled with world-class talent. The coming months will reveal whether the German giants can convince Kimmich to stay or if they will be forced to bid farewell to one of their most dependable players.
