Joshua Kimmich: Where would Xavi fit in the Bayern man

Joshua Kimmich has, until now, been an unattainable target for FC Barcelona. There is no doubt that the German midfielder's profile would fit perfectly into the Barcelona team's ecosystem. Shaped by Pep Guardiola, competitive, capable of adapting to various positions, and with exceptional game reading.

But time passes, and at 28 years old, Joshua has shown signs in recent times that perhaps a change is on the horizon. A desire to try another league, and step out of his comfort zone. However, it's important to note that no scenario can be ruled out. In Munich, he is already a legend, having won the famous Champions League in 2020 and played for teams that have set the standard with their offensive football, possession, and intricate passing.

INTEREST MORE ROMANTIC THAN REAL

This summer, though more romantic than realistic (a transfer was unaffordable), his name was strongly linked to the team led by Xavi Hernandez. He himself made it clear that he would stay at the Bavarian club. The arrival of the new sporting director, Christoph Freund, has, for now, put some pending negotiations on hold. These include contract extensions for Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, and Leroy Sané. All of their contracts expire in 2025.

Any small hint or spark is enough in Barcelona to ignite speculation. Recent statements about Joshua's idol being Xavi Hernandez have been interpreted as a clear and overt nod.

END OF CONTRACT IN 2025

Being realistic once again, a transfer remains almost utopian. Next summer will be crucial because if Kimmich doesn't renew, Bayern will have to sell to secure a transfer fee, and the price will be more reasonable than in 2024. However, even then, if Barcelona continues to face economic constraints, it will be very difficult to afford him.

But, hypothetically speaking, how could Kimmich fit into Xavi's system? "He sees himself as a complete defensive midfielder, the 'number 6' as they say in Germany ('number 4' in Barcelona's terms). But his current coach, Thomas Tuchel, sees him more as an interior midfielder. That's why Bayern was very close to signing Palhinha from Fulham, and they will likely do it," explains Marc Mayola, an international football analyst and Bundesliga expert.

"Thomas wants to free him up to play more in the opponent's half and be influential in that final third, without constantly tracking back. The issue is that he has always stated that he sees himself as a more positional defensive midfielder," adds Mayola.

In the context of Barcelona, he would most likely arrive to play a role similar to Oriol Romeu's. Although he feels more comfortable with a double pivot in a diamond formation. If he played alongside De Jong, Kimmich would be the more positional player while Frenkie would have a more dynamic role. Alongside Romeu, it would be the opposite, with Joshua having more freedom to operate in the opponent's half.

"In a 4-3-3, he could be the lone midfielder with two interior midfielders alongside him, like Pedri and Gündogan, for example. Or he could play as an interior alongside Pedri, with Romeu behind," Mayola comments.

Regarding his situation in Munich, Mayola notes, "It's not true that there is a bad relationship with Bayern, as I've read in the local press here. I believe the club's intention is to renew his contract, and he also has close friends in the dressing room. He's known Gnabry, for instance, since they were 6 or 7 years old and played together at Stuttgart. He has a good relationship with Goretzka. He feels like an important leader at the club, beyond any debate with Tuchel or what happened with Nagelsmann. He valued Nagelsmann highly and felt it was all very rushed at the time."