Bayern irritated and on a collision course with club icon: free transfer exit imminent

According to BILD, Bayern Munich has been working behind the scenes for months in an attempt to secure a long-term contract extension for Joshua Kimmich, a player widely regarded as one of the key figures in the club’s modern identity.

Kimmich, who has played both as a midfielder and as a right-back, is not only a consistent performer on the pitch but also a symbolic figure in the squad, embodying the winning mentality and high standards that Bayern has long been known for.

The club has placed immense value on his role in maintaining the "Bayern DNA," seeing him as an essential leader both now and in the future. His importance was further reinforced by club legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who publicly hailed Kimmich as "the captain of the future." Head coach Vincent Kompany, who took charge ahead of this season, has also continued to rely heavily on him, keeping him as an undisputed starter in the lineup.

Despite the club’s confidence in him, the situation between Bayern and Kimmich has turned increasingly tense. The 29-year-old’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and instead of committing his future to the club, he has remained non-committal, refusing to provide Bayern with any clear indication of his intentions. This lack of clarity has irritated the club’s hierarchy, which had been hoping to finalize an agreement long before the player entered the final year of his deal.

As a result of Kimmich’s continued hesitation, Bayern has taken drastic action by withdrawing a lucrative contract offer that was on the table for several months. The deal would have significantly increased his already substantial salary, which currently stands at around €15 million per season. However, the club has grown increasingly frustrated with the midfielder’s reluctance to negotiate, leading to the decision to pull the offer and, effectively, leave the ball in Kimmich’s court. Bayern’s stance is clear: either he commits soon, or they will begin making plans for life without him.

For Kimmich, this development places him in a difficult position. The 97-time Germany international is now expected to provide a response in the near future, as Bayern will not tolerate uncertainty for much longer. However, reports suggest that he is weighing his options carefully, with significant interest from several top European clubs. It is believed that clubs from England, Spain, and Italy are all monitoring his situation, with potential suitors such as Manchester City, Barcelona, and Juventus keeping a close eye on developments. With this level of interest, Kimmich could be tempted to run down his contract and leave Bayern on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

A free transfer exit would be a nightmare scenario for Bayern. Losing a player of Kimmich’s caliber without receiving a transfer fee would be a massive financial and sporting blow, especially given his influence on the team. This is why the club’s leadership is now applying pressure for a resolution sooner rather than later. If no agreement is reached by the summer, Bayern could be forced to sell him in the upcoming transfer window rather than risk losing him for free a year later.

While Bayern’s current focus remains on winning silverware, this contract saga is becoming an increasingly distracting subplot. The club is well on its way to securing yet another Bundesliga title, and if successful, it would mark Kimmich’s ninth league championship since joining the club. His consistency has been remarkable he has featured in 70 consecutive matches for Bayern, proving his durability and importance to the squad. However, despite his contributions on the pitch, his refusal to commit his future to the club has started to overshadow his performances.

Tensions between Kimmich and the club have been brewing for some time. Some sources suggest that he has not been entirely happy with Bayern’s recent managerial changes and sporting direction. After years of dominance under the leadership of Hansi Flick and later Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern has undergone a period of instability, with multiple coaching changes and questions surrounding the long-term vision of the club. It is possible that Kimmich is hesitant to commit to Bayern until he is convinced of the club’s sporting project moving forward.

At the same time, Bayern’s hardline stance is indicative of a club that refuses to be held hostage by contract negotiations. The Bavarians have historically been strict when it comes to handling contract situations with key players. In the past, they have not hesitated to part ways with players who were unwilling to extend their deals. Notable examples include David Alaba, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2021, and Robert Lewandowski, who forced a move to Barcelona in 2022 after refusing to sign a new deal. If Kimmich does not commit soon, Bayern may take a similarly firm approach and look to offload him before his contract runs out.

The coming months will be decisive in determining Kimmich’s future. If he does not sign an extension before the summer, Bayern could start considering offers and entertain the idea of a sale rather than risk losing him for nothing. Alternatively, if no deal is reached but Kimmich insists on staying until his contract expires, Bayern will be left with an uncomfortable situation of having one of their biggest stars playing out his final year under a cloud of uncertainty.

One thing is certain: the once harmonious relationship between Kimmich and Bayern Munich is now on shaky ground. The club is irritated by his lack of commitment, while the player appears to be exploring his options elsewhere. As the standoff continues, all eyes will be on how Bayern and Kimmich navigate what could become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.