Liverpool handed new boost in pursuit of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich

Liverpool appear to have been handed a timely boost in their pursuit of Bayern Munich skipper Joshua Kimmich.

The Germany international has been heavily linked with a move away from Bayern Munich over recent weeks, especially to Liverpool. He is prepared to leave Allianz Arena after the European Championships with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025. And the signing of Joao Palhinha from Fulham after a year-long transfer saga will mostly confirm the exit of Joshua Kimmich, who hasn’t been offered a new contract by the Bundesliga club.

Liverpool reportedly are front-runners for Kimmich’s signature, as new manager Arne Slot aims to make a statement signing to kick off his tenure at Anfield. The 29-year-old, who can operate in midfield and as a right-back, has been a key player for club and country. He is a multiple Bundesliga winner with Bayern, however, it looks like his time at the Allianz Arena is ending.

Joshua Kimmich would be a statement signing for Liverpool

Liverpool have seen Thiago Alcantara depart the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June. This leaves Arne Slot a bit short in the midfield unit in terms of depth, especially with his team set to compete in the Champions League next term. Moreover, the Reds need a quality defensive midfielder who’d upgrade Wataru Endo, and Joshua Kimmich certainly fits the bill.

Kimmich is a versatile customer and has proven himself to be world-class at both defensive midfield and right-back. He mainly operated in the No.6 role for Bayern under Thomas Tuchel last season, bagging two goals and 10 assists across all competitions. At the ongoing Euro, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has used the 29-year-old as a right-back in all their games thus far.

Kimmich has won everything with Bayern, and he has the winning mentality, quality, versatility and volumes of experience at the highest level to strengthen any team in the world. If signed by Liverpool, the German would be an undisputed starter in Arne Slot’s XI, anchoring the midfield from his favoured No.6 role. The ex-Stuttgart man’s presence would then allow Alexis Mac Allister to operate as a box-to-box midfielder—the role which he essayed at his former club Brighton and Hove Albion.

Given that Kimmich has entered the final year of his contract and is only expected to cost around £25.4million, the Reds must make a statement by luring him to the Premier League this summer. His arrival at Anfield could be a game-changer for Arne Slot.