Rumour Mongering: Liverpool, City, and Barcelona Chase Kimmich
Long-simmering tension over the player’s defensive capabilities could lead to an exit.
Bayern Munich and Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk, writing in his Daily Briefing column, reports that midfielder Joshua Kimmich could be on the move this summer.
For context: over the course of the past year, then-coach Julian Nagelsmann and now-coach Thomas Tuchel have both questioned Kimmich’s ability to play as a lone holding midfielder. This is quite funny for two reasons:
- Tuchel’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder ended in shambles as the Palhinha deal could not be finalised before the Germany transfer window closed.
- Nagelsmann has taken over the German national team manager job and has recently said that he views Kimmich not as a right-back but as a defensive midfielder.
Anyway, this is what Falk has to say about the prospect of Kimmich leaving Munich:
“It cannot be ruled out that FC Bayern and Kimmich part ways.”
“His contract only runs until 2025. Like Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel has also questioned the player. Both coaches do not see Kimmich as a ‘holding Six’.”
“FC Barcelona is very interested in Kimmich. If he comes onto the market next summer, some clubs in the Premier League will also look at him. Pep Guardiola is considered a big fan of Kimmich after having initially discovered and promoted him in Munich. The City coach appreciates Kimmich’s versatility as he can play in many positions.”
“But Jurgen Klopp also knows Kimmich’s strengths, which would suit Liverpool FC well. The poker for Kimmich could soon be open.”
Of course, Barcelona are interested. There are obvious Guardiola links with City for Kimmich if he wants to pursue a move there. If Liverpool are serious about this, I reckon Jürgen Klopp has some instructions for Agent Thiago to relay to Kimmich.
Kimmich is 28 years old. He doesn’t fit the profile or a typical Liverpool FC signing. If he and Klopp do want to work together, it’s definitely not a big issue to look past that and do some minor squad remodelling to fit in a world-class player like we did with Thiago. Perhaps it does suggest that the defensive qualities many of the online fanbase (me included) have been crying out for at the six just aren’t all that high on the team’s priority list. I can’t say I agree completely... but if the team keeps winning and scoring a ton of goals, who am I to argue? We’ll keep an eye out if this rumour continues to gain steam across the rest of the season.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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