Real Madrid and Barcelona to battle for Bayern Munich star next summer: Reports

Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly prepared to fight for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich in the next summer transfer window. The versatile midfielder's contract with the Bavarians will expire in 2025, which could see him potentially leave on a free transfer to either Spanish giant.

Kimmich spoke about his contract situation during a conversation with Sport Bild earlier this year (March 13). He revealed that no moves had been made regarding extending his time at the club (via Bavarian Football Works):

“No one has spoken to me yet. We’ll see what happens. For me, the most important thing is that I perform well, I can’t influence the rest.”

About his happiness and comfort at the German club, the midfielder said that he was merely satisfied:

“It’s not so bad here - even though we haven’t been quite as successful in terms of football in recent years. I have to say very clearly that I haven’t gone to bed happy every night for the past two or three years.”

Now, according to a new report from Mundo Deportivo (via Football Espana), Barcelona and Real Madrid are looking at signing Joshua Kimmich.

The Blaugrana have him in their sights for 2025, as their squad may grow thinner next year, with Inigo Martinez in the final year of his contract. As per the report, Kimmich may be inclined to a Camp Nou move, where he can reunite with his former manager Hansi Flick.

For Los Blancos, a midfield slot needs to be filled following Toni Kroos' retirement earlier this summer. While they have already set Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodri in their sights, Kimmich is believed to be an alternative option.

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Real Madrid set their sights on Barcelona player

Both Spanish giants are eternal rivals and will hardly see eye to eye on a vast series of issues, especially on the pitch and in the transfer market. While they reportedly prepare to battle for Joshua Kimmich's signing next summer, a player could potentially make the switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid.

Players rarely ever move between the two legendary clubs, and as such, a transfer is highly unprecedented. However, with Madrid focused on signing players nearing contract expiration, they are reportedly interested in Frenkie de Jong, as per Real Madrid Exclusivo (via The Real Champs). The Dutchman has two years left at Barca.

Rodri might be their clear choice to replace Toni Kroos, and Joshua Kimmich might be an option, but they have reportedly marked De Jong as a potential target. The Barcelona midfielder would be a highly unrealistic transfer option for Real Madrid. However, it would not be an impossibility after Luis Figo made the same switch in 2000.