The winter transfer window is fast approaching, and Real Madrid are reportedly considering a bold and decisive move – pushing to sign Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich in January. With the German international’s contract set to expire in June 2025, Los Blancos sense an opportunity to pull off a transformative midseason coup.
Kimmich’s Crossroads
At 29 years old and after nearly a decade of domestic dominance and European glory with Bayern, Joshua Kimmich may be entering a career crossroads. Despite ongoing extension talks, the midfield maestro has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, fueling speculation that he could be ready to embark on a new challenge while still at his peak.
Real Madrid would provide Kimmich with a fresh environment to further expand his game and trophy cabinet. According to sources close to the player, the allure of the Bernabeu and the chance to clinch another Champions League crown are factors weighing heavily on Kimmich’s mind as he ponders his future.
Bayern’s Dilemma
For the Bavarian giants, losing a talent of Kimmich’s caliber on a free transfer next summer would be a bitter pill to swallow. While a January sale would be far from ideal, it could allow them to recoup a fee and reallocate wages during a period of significant squad transition.
Between the savings on wages for half a season and the fee you’d be getting, that could be anywhere between €30-50m — maybe more — which is a lot more than, well, zero.
A source familiar with the situation
With several other key Bayern stalwarts also out of contract in June, including captain Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller, the club may be bracing for an era of change. Cashing in on Kimmich, however reluctantly, could help soften the financial blow and facilitate the rebuild.
Real’s Midfield Revamp
For Real Madrid, Kimmich is the missing piece in the puzzle as they look to rebalance and future-proof their midfield. While the acquisition alone won’t solve all of Real’s tactical quandaries, Kimmich’s vision, technique, and leadership would instantly elevate the team in possession and provide a long-term heir to the aging Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
The German’s positional flexibility is another major draw for Los Blancos. Capable of operating in a number of midfield roles as well as at right-back, Kimmich would grant Carlo Ancelotti tactical elasticity as he seeks to get the best out of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé in attack.
From Allianz to Bernabeu?
As January draws nearer, expect the Kimmich-to-Real rumors to intensify. Bayern will be desperate to tie down their midfield dynamo to fresh terms, but the player’s radio silence and Real’s financial muscle point to an increasing likelihood of a winter window bombshell.
Should Kimmich opt to trade Bavaria for Madrid, it would represent a seismic shift in the European football landscape and a major coup for Real as they look to reassert their dominance at home and abroad. The clock is ticking, and all eyes will be on the Allianz Arena and the Bernabeu in the coming weeks.
