Liverpool are unlikely to pursue Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich this year, despite reports of “concrete interest” from Premier League rivals Manchester City and La Liga giants Barcelona.
The 29-year-old, whose contract with Bayern expires at the end of the season, has yet to make a decision about his future.
Having made 18 Bundesliga appearances and six Champions League starts this season, Kimmich remains a vital cog in the Bavarian side’s setup.
Bayern Munich are determined to retain their 97-cap German international, but Kimmich is reportedly keeping his options open.
According to Sky Germany, Manchester City and Barcelona are leading the race for his signature if he decides to move on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, a club often associated with high-profile midfield acquisitions, are not expected to join the bidding war. Reports suggest that the Reds no longer prioritize reinforcements in central midfield, with their focus potentially shifting to other positions.
Much depends on the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom are out of contract this summer.
Although no decision has been made, staying at Bayern seems the most probable outcome for Kimmich. His family is well-settled in Bavaria, and he has expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress under manager Vincent Kompany.
In a recent interview, the former RB Leipzig player praised Kompany’s impact on the team, saying: “The likelihood of me staying is much greater than it was in the summer because I can see how we are playing football. That also has a lot to do with the coach.
“All of Germany can see that we are playing football in a different way. It looks much better. It’s fun in training and on the pitch.
Of course, there are many good reasons to extend the contract. For me, it’s a fundamental decision. It’s about where you can be most successful in the next three to four years.”
Until a new deal is signed, speculation about Kimmich’s next move is likely to persist. For now, however, Bayern Munich appear to be in a strong position to retain their midfield maestro.