In the upcoming summer transfer window, one of the positions that FC Barcelona are looking to reinforce is that of the midfield pivot. This is one of the biggest weaknesses of the Blaugrana team, and the Catalans are considering several names for this purpose.
The Everton midfielder is the favorite candidate of the Sporting Director Deco, while the former coach, Xavi Hernandez, had his heart set on the Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. Mikel Merino has also emerged as a realistic option for the Catalans recently, while Joshua Kimmich has also been linked with them for some time now.
However, according to SPORT, the favorite to reinforce the pivot position for the new Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, is the last of these players, i.e., Joshua Kimmich. This is particularly the case as the German tactician knows the player from his time at Bayern Munich and the German national team, where he played in the midfield.
The former Bayern Munich coach is looking to have a core of well-trusted players during his first season at Barcelona. He already has the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Robert Lewandowski, and Marc Andre Ter Stegen under his command, and he believes the inclusion of Kimmich would significantly strengthen the team’s midfield.
Thus, the new coach is ready to intervene directly in his signing if this can convince the Bayern Munich star to opt for Barcelona, as the Catalans are not the only side pursuing him. His contract with the Bavarian team is expiring next year, and they will be open to selling him this summer to ensure they do not lose him for free.
Some reports on the matter indicate the Kimmich can be sold for around €30 million this summer, with several Premier League clubs having shown an interest in him. Liverpool are currently leading the race for him, and almost all of these sides can pay higher wages to him than Barcelona, but the Catalans believe Flick can still convince him to join them this summer.
