Newcastle United have identified Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich as a transfer target, according to a surprise claim from Germany.
The midfielder’s deal lasts until 2025 and there’s uncertainty over his long-term future at the Bavarian club.
SportBild state there’s been no concrete discussions with Bayern over a new deal and that can allow other clubs to try and sign him after this season. Newcastle have been added to the list of interested teams.
It’s said the Magpies ‘want to bring’ the midfielder to the Tyneside club and have made an inquiry about him. The report doesn’t specify if Newcastle contacted the 28-year-old’s camp, the Bundesliga winners or both.
Thomas Tuchel’s side want to make a decision on Kimmich’s future before next summer, in order to avoid losing him for free in 2025. He’s not in a hurry to sort out his future and wants to improve his own game, after mixed performances in recent times.
SportBild state Bayern have an important decision to make, on if they want to retain the Germany international, who is in his prime but hasn’t been at his best recently.
He has a ‘huge salary’ of €20m per year.
Newcastle are currently 10th in the table and could miss out on the Champions League next season. Despite this, the report states Eddie Howe’s side still ‘want the midfield star’.
Kimmich’s aim is to fight for silverware at the top level and this may not be immediately possible to achieve at St James’ Park.
Bild journalist Christian Falk took to X to state that Newcastle have ‘made a request’ to find out if a deal for Kimmich would be possible. He adds the player isn’t interested in a move this month.
Falk says Kimmich’s future remains open and Bayern are ready to negotiate his exit. If Newcastle can secure his services, it would be a big coup for Eddie Howe & co.
That said, these Kimmich claims do often feel like an issue between the player and Bayern Munich being expanded to add drama, and bringing other clubs in to aid that.
Given Newcastle United are seen as a club with access to money, despite the realities of their situation meaning they can’t spend it, they’re now dragged into these situations.
Our Story: Newcastle @NUFC made a request if a Transfer of Joshua Kimmich (28, contract til 2025) would be possible. But Kimmich is not interested in a Winter-Transfer. However, his future from summer is open. Bayern is is ready to negotiate @SPORTBILD
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 17, 2024
