Barcelona is gearing up for a crucial Champions League round of 16 clash against Benfica in Lisbon, with the first leg set for tomorrow. The Catalan club currently tops the La Liga standings with 57 points after 26 matches, sitting three points ahead of Real Madrid in third and just one point above second-placed Atletico Madrid.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Barcelona is actively exploring options to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season. One of the key targets is Joshua Kimmich, the German midfielder whose contract with Bayern Munich expires next summer. As a result, he will be available as a free agent, making him an attractive option for several top European clubs, including Barcelona.
Kimmich, 30, has been a vital part of Bayern Munich for nearly a decade, but his time at the club appears to be nearing its end as he seeks a fresh challenge. Barcelona’s football director, Deco, has reportedly initiated talks with the player’s representatives, signaling strong interest from the Catalan side. However, a major hurdle remains—Kimmich’s salary demands.
The German international is asking for a net annual salary exceeding €10 million, which would make him Barcelona’s second-highest-paid player after Robert Lewandowski. Given that he currently earns the same amount at Bayern, he is unwilling to take a pay cut to move to Camp Nou.
Barcelona is evaluating ways to structure the deal while staying within La Liga’s financial regulations. Possible solutions include deferred payments or performance-based bonuses to accommodate his wage demands.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, is a strong advocate for signing Kimmich. Having previously worked with him at Bayern, Flick sees him as a crucial addition to his squad. He envisions Kimmich playing either as a right-back, allowing Jules Koundé to shift to center-back, or as a central midfielder—potentially affecting Frenkie de Jong’s role in the team. Flick values Kimmich’s versatility, leadership, and tactical intelligence, considering him an ideal fit for Barcelona’s playing style and a key figure in his long-term project.
