The quest for Sergio Busquets’ successor at FC Barcelona is in full swing, and the club has identified a number of candidates to take their former captain’s position in the next season’s squad. One of the players that have been strongly linked for such a role in the last few months is the German Joshua Kimmich.
While Kimmich is a significantly more decorated and experienced player than most other candidates identified for such a role, his transfer to FC Barcelona is in no way a simple operation.
Bayern Munich consider him one of the integral parts of their squad going forward, and despite the reported differences between the player and the Bavarian club, the fact that he still has two years remaining in his contract would make any operation for him difficult for the Catalans.
However, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Kimmich’s move to FC Barcelona can be facilitated by other movements in the market. As confirmed by the Hammers’ president, Declan Rice is set to leave West Ham this summer and is expected to move to Arsenal for a figure around €100 million.
With Rice’s arrival, Arsenal may cool down their interest in another of their targets, Moises Caicedo. The Gunners were close to securing his signing, but Brighton, who currently own the player, were reluctant to let their star player leave. However, Caicedo’s performances in England and during the World Cup have raised the interest of Bayern Munich in the player.
Thus, with the arrival of Konrad Laimer and the possible introduction of Moises Caicedo to the squad, Bayern Munich may become more open to letting Joshua Kimmich leave for FC Barcelona. Although this involves a high number of ifs and buts, FC Barcelona executives and fans would be hoping for all the stars to align to see Joshua Kimmich in the Garnet and Blue jersey next season.
