Barcelona are preparing for the possibility of Frenkie de Jong leaving, although the Dutch player has confirmed on several occasions his intention to continue his contract until 2026.
However, the club has not ruled out making him a big offer, whether in January or next summer, that could persuade him to change his mind. In this context, Hansi Flick has already named his preferred candidate to replace De Jong: Joshua Kimmich.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, the Bayern Munich midfielder is a name well-known to Flick, who worked with him both at the Bavarian club and with the German national team.
Their relationship has always been strong, and the German coach believes that Kimmich would be a perfect fit for Barcelona’s system. Thanks to his tactical versatility, his ability to lead the game from the middle of the field, and his flexibility in several positions, Kimmich is an ideal option to strengthen the Catalan team’s midfield.
One of the most notable aspects of this deal is that Kimmich could be available for free at the end of the season. The player’s contract with Bayern Munich expires in June 2025, and although negotiations to renew his contract are ongoing, no final agreement has been reached yet, which opens the door for clubs like Barcelona to make an offer to the player and persuade him to move.
Despite Barcelona having a talented midfield that includes players such as Pablo Torre, Gavi, Pedri, and Marc Casado, the club believes that Kimmich’s experience and leadership would be a valuable addition to the team. His flexibility to play in different positions, whether in midfield or as a right-back, makes him a valuable player for any elite team.
However, Kimmich’s move to Barcelona will not be without its challenges. Although the deal would be free, his high salary could be an obstacle given the club’s delicate financial situation. Furthermore, interest from other top clubs, such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, could complicate negotiations.
At the moment, the futures of both Frenkie de Jong and Joshua Kimmich remain uncertain, but Hansi Flick has already made his preference clear. If De Jong decides to leave, Kimmich would be the perfect choice to lead Barcelona’s future project as they look to continue competing at the highest levels in La Liga and the Champions League.