Agency Report –
Berlin – Bayern Munich have said there will be a decision “soon” on the future of midfielder Joshua Kimmich, amid reports that the Germany captain has agreed to extend his contract beyond the season.
“There’s not much to announce with Jo. When there is, we’ll do so,” sporting director Christoph Freund told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match against Bochum.
“There will be a decision soon. All parties are in good dialogue.
“It’s important for us to work in a calm and focused manner. With Jo, you can see that he feels comfortable, that any unrest that could be brought in doesn’t come in.”
Sky TV and the Bild paper had reported that Bundesliga leaders Bayern were preparing a new contract for Kimmich, with an official announcement expected soon. Bild said the new deal would run until 2029.
According to the reports, Bayern’s board and honorary president Uli Hoeness met to finalize the contract terms on Thursday, which had been agreed upon by Kimmich and board member for sport Max Eberl.
Kimmich, 30, who has been with Bayern since 2015, was reportedly hesitant about his future earlier in the process, leading the club to withdraw their latest offer last week.
Kimmich said after Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen that a decision would be made “at the latest before the international break” which starts on March 17.
He has recently indicated his intention to stay in Munich who see him as a key figure for the coming years along with the likes of Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, who have renewed their contracts.
Freund praised Kimmich, saying: “He doesn’t hide away on the pitch, even in tough moments. And he doesn’t hide off it either. It’s extraordinary. He’s a reflective, very intelligent guy who communicates very well internally and externally.”
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Kimmich could have left for free, amid alleged interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
