Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund has revealed that contract negotiations with Joshua Kimmich are making progress, with a potential agreement expected in the coming weeks. The 30-year-old midfielder's current contract is set to expire in June 2025, making his extension a priority for the German champions.
"It will be a matter of weeks," Freund stated following Bayern's goalless draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. "It won't take forever. We are in talks. It is important that the player and we have planning security."
The news comes on the heels of several significant contract renewals at the club. Bayern recently secured the future of young talent Jamal Musiala with a new five-and-a-half-year contract, following extensions for both Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer.
Max Eberl, Bayern's board member for sport, emphasized how these recent extensions should signal the club's commitment to retaining elite talent to Kimmich. "We have now made three important contract extensions with Manu, Alphonso and Jamal," Eberl told Sky Sports Germany. "We have clearly signalled that our intention is to keep the team and the quality players." He also highlighted Kimmich's potential future role, noting that the player "should eventually become captain of Bayern Munich when Manuel Neuer stops at some point."
Kimmich, who joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2015, has established himself as a crucial figure at the club, making 423 appearances and contributing 43 goals. His versatility, demonstrated through his ability to excel both in defensive midfield and at right back, has been instrumental in Bayern's success. During his tenure, he has collected eight Bundesliga titles and was part of the team that won the Champions League in 2020.
The German international's importance extends beyond club level, as he was appointed Germany's captain in September following Ilkay Gundogan's retirement from international duty.
Eberl also addressed the futures of other key players, confirming that contract discussions with Eric Dier, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Muller will commence after the Champions League playoff round against Celtic, where Bayern currently holds a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
The timing of these negotiations comes as Bayern maintains their dominance in the Bundesliga, with their recent 0-0 draw against Leverkusen maintaining their eight-point lead at the summit of the league table.
