Bayern Munich Secures Joshua Kimmich with a Fresh, Long-Term Deal
It's all settled! Joshua Kimmich, the 30-year-old midfield powerhouse, is sticking with Bayern Munich until at least 2029. The German giants announced a new contract for the star last Thursday, putting an end to the lingering speculation over his future.
Max Eberl, the club's sport director, couldn't hide his excitement, stating, "Mentality and identity—that's what Joshua Kimmich represents. He embodies Bayern's DNA, internalizes it, and lives it on the field. Where others stop, he pushes forward."
Recent rumors suggested that Bayern had retracted their initial offer amidst the first-leg Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. However, both parties seem to have come to an agreement rather swiftly, with the Bayern board quickly finalizing Kimmich's new contract terms in the days following the game.
Kimmich himself echoed this sentiment, sharing that he never received confirmation about the alleged withdrawal of the initial offer. Nonetheless, the finalized deal has kept Kimmich among Bayern's highest-earning players, although it appears to have avoided a major pay increase.
This contract marks the conclusion of a series of challenging contract negotiations for the club. Not only had Kimmich been on the verge of leaving, but impending free agents Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala had also been up for new deals. In the end, both players signed long-term extensions, although at a considerable cost.
Until now, Bayern's president Herbert Hainer has praised the sporting leadership for securing such a crucial player. "Bayern Munich needs players who aren't merely donning the jersey but also embracing the responsibility that comes with it—both on and off the field. Joshua Kimmich is one such player."
With the recent contract renewals, Bayern's wage bill has significantly increased. Eberl, who was tasked with reducing the club's expenses, will now have to focus on trimming salaries elsewhere. This could potentially lead to the departure of experienced players such as João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Leon Goretzka, as Bayern looks to youth and cost savings.
- Joshua Kimmich, who embodies Bayern Munich's DNA, has extended his contract with the club until 2029, putting an end to the speculation about his future.
- On the pitch, Kimmich's mentality and identity reflect Bayern's, as he represents the club's core values and pushes forward even when others might stop.
- As Bayern looks towards the future and potential cost savings, experienced players like João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Leon Goretzka could be among those departing, with Eberl now focusing on trimming salaries elsewhere due to the significant increase in the wage bill following the recent contract renewals.
