Barcelona is gearing up for a high-stakes La Liga clash against Atlético Madrid next Sunday at the Metropolitano Stadium as part of the 28th round of the competition.
Currently, Barcelona sits atop the La Liga standings with 57 points, tied with second-placed Real Madrid on goal difference. Additionally, Hansi Flick’s squad has a game in hand against Osasuna.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Barcelona’s potential signing of Joshua Kimmich before his contract renewal with Bayern Munich was met with opposition from within the team. Despite the possibility of acquiring the German midfielder on a free transfer this summer, the idea did not gain unanimous support in the dressing room. Sources revealed that at least three players objected to the move and informed club president Joan Laporta of their stance.
At 30 years old, Kimmich remains one of Europe’s top midfielders, boasting extensive experience and an impressive career. However, concerns arose regarding his adaptability and the impact his presence might have on team dynamics. Some players were reportedly wary of his strong personality, fearing it could create friction with key squad members.
Additionally, doubts were raised about his level of ambition compared to younger talents, with concerns that his arrival could hinder the development of emerging players like Marc Casado. While coach Hansi Flick was in favor of the signing, others in the squad felt that reinforcing other positions should be a priority over midfield.
The report highlighted that De Jong, Gavi, and Pedri were particularly opposed to the move, believing it conflicted with Barcelona’s emphasis on youth development—a principle Laporta strongly supports. In the end, both Laporta and Flick respected their concerns, leading to Kimmich’s contract renewal with Bayern Munich until 2029.
