Will Joshua Kimmich join Barcelona this summer? Journalist opens up on the Bayern Munich star's future

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has no intention to leave the Bundesliga club despite being linked with a move to Barcelona, according to Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Kimmich, 28, has been a key player for Bayern since joining them from VfB Stuttgart for €5 million in 2015. He has made 346 appearances for the Bavarians, bagging 40 goals and 94 assists. The versatile midfielder has also helped the club win 19 trophies, including seven Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League trophy.

The Germany international is contracted to Bayern until the end of the 2024-25 season after negotiating an extension by himself in 2021. There have been no suggestions that he is unhappy in Munich.

However, it emerged last week that Kimmich is keen to take up a new challenge this summer. He has since been linked with a move away from Bayern, with Barcelona mooted as a possible destination.

Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo claimed that Kimmich is open to joining the La Liga champions. News outlet Fichajes.net, meanwhile, reported that Xavi's side are prepared to offer Andreas Christensen or Ousmane Dembele in a swap deal for the midfielder.

However, Plettenberg has now rubbished claims that Kimmich wants to leave Bayern. According to the German journalist, the player is not in talks with Barcelona contrary to claims. The reporter further added that the former Stuttgart is seen as a future captain for the Bavarians.

It appears Kimmich is prepared to stay in Munich despite Bayern having an underwhelming season. The Bavarians won the DFL-Supercup earlier in the season but have since been knocked out of all other cup competitions. They could also lose the Bundesliga title to Borussia Dortmund if the latter win their remaining two games.

---

How did Barcelona-linked Joshua Kimmich fare in his last game for Bayern Munich?

Joshua Kimmich has made 46 appearances across competitions for Bayern Munich this season, bagging seven goals and 11 assists. His last start for the club came in their 3-1 Bundesliga defeat against RB Leipzig on Saturday (May 20).

Kimmich started alongside Leon Goretzka in midfield and was one of the better players for the Bavarians. The former Leipzig man completed 82 of the 92 passes he played, the most by any player in his team, and made one key pass.

The German made five tackles and won 10 of the 11 duels he attempted. He also registered two clearances and blocked one shot, but made an error that led to a shot by Leipzig.

Kimmich registered a total of 119 touches, the most by any player across both teams. Despite the Barcelona-linked midfielder's valiant efforts, Bayern ultimately ended up on the losing side.