Barcelona is preparing for the potential departure of Frenkie de Jong, although the Dutch player has repeatedly stated his intention to honor his contract until 2026. Nonetheless, the club has not ruled out offering him a significant deal, either in January or next summer, that might convince him to reconsider.
In this context, Hansi Flick has already identified his preferred replacement for De Jong: Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich. According to El Nacional, Kimmich, who has worked with Flick both at Bayern and with the German national team, is a well-known figure to the coach. Their strong relationship leads Flick to believe that Kimmich would be an excellent addition to Barcelona, offering tactical versatility, the ability to control the game from midfield, and adaptability to multiple positions.
One key aspect of this potential transfer is that Kimmich could be available for free at the end of the season. His contract with Bayern Munich expires in June 2025, and although contract renewal talks are ongoing, no agreement has been finalized, which could open the door for Barcelona to make an offer.
Despite a midfield already filled with talent, including Pablo Torre, Gavi, Pedri, and Marc Casado, Barcelona values Kimmich’s experience and leadership qualities. His versatility to play in various roles, such as a midfielder or right-back, makes him a key target for any top-tier club.
However, securing Kimmich’s transfer to Barcelona won’t be straightforward. While the move could be free, his high salary could present a challenge given Barcelona’s current financial constraints. Additionally, competition from other elite clubs, such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, could complicate matters.
For now, the futures of both Frenkie de Jong and Joshua Kimmich remain up in the air, but Hansi Flick has made it clear that Kimmich would be his ideal choice to lead Barcelona’s future ambitions in La Liga and the Champions League if De Jong departs.
