Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich discussed potentially joining FC Barcelona and what it is like to … [+]
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich discussed potentially joining “incredible” FC Barcelona and what it is like to be his own agent during an interview with AS conducted before his current team takes on Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals.
SPORT reported at the weekend that Bayern is open to selling Kimmich to the Catalans providing one of its stars it is simultaneously interested in – such as Ronald Araujo or Frenkie de Jong – can be included in a part exchange deal.
Kimmich’s contract expires on June 30, 2025. Reminded that his current employers want him to continue but that there is also interest from other clubs, Kimmich said that first and foremost: “I want to talk to Bayern”.
“And when I do that, I’m not going to go out and talk to the press about it. I’m only focused on the two games against Real Madrid [in the semifinals],” he stressed.
Asked if he could imagine playing in Spain in the future, Kimmich answered, “At the moment I’m not thinking about this”.
“As I said, I’ll talk to Bayern first. But of course, Barcelona and Real Madrid are amazing clubs with an amazing history,” Kimmich added, at a time when he is being linked to both La Liga giants.
Given that he chooses not to have an agent, Kimmich will represent himself in any negotiations with the Bavarians or the likes of Barca and Real Madrid if he decides on a change of scenery.
Pushed to list the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, Kimmich said that being able to “speak for yourself” ticks both boxes.
“Sometimes it’s hard to talk about yourself. You are responsible for your decision. This is the most important thing for me: to be at the table, to listen directly to what those in charge are saying and to be able to speak directly with the club and the coach. This helps me make a very good decision for my family and myself.”
Though Barca would want him in midfield, Kimmich is also a world class right back that has previously been charged with containing Kylian Mbappe on the continent.
On Tuesday, and then Wednesday next week in the Bernabeu, Kimmich will try and keep Vinicius Jr. under wraps against Madrid.
“Unfortunately or fortunately, you usually face perhaps the best player from the other team playing as a right back or left back. You get players like Mbappe or Vinicius,” Kimmich noted.
“[They are] two of the best players in European football at the moment. I know he [Vinicius] is very strong in one-on-one situations, like Kylian Mbappe, so I’m very happy to face him and to compete with him.”
Kimmich didn’t want to pass comment on Vinicius’ perceived weaknesses in helping defend.
“We all have some weaknesses and some strengths,” he pointed out, “[So] I don’t want to talk about [his] weaknesses.”
“Vinicius is a very, very strong player. I have to focus, defend, and when I have the opportunity to attack, of course I want to do it. But in the beginning, we have to focus on defending and be focused on our game.”
