Could Kimmich Join Madrid?
Bayern Munich, known for its organizational discipline and ability to maintain a competitive roster, is once again facing difficulties in keeping some of its top players. This challenge is not new; in 2014, Toni Kroos left for Real Madrid for only $26 million, and in 2021, David Alaba departed as a free agent, also joining the Madrid team.
Now, Bayern finds itself in a similar situation with Alphonso Davies, who has turned down multiple renewal offers. All signs point to the Canadian left-back potentially joining Real Madrid in June 2025. However, the situation becomes even more complex with uncertainties surrounding the futures of Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala. Kimmich's contract expires in 2025, while Musiala's runs through 2026, but both players have generated interest in Madrid, especially Kimmich.
Although Kimmich is not currently a priority in Real Madrid’s plans, this could change in the coming months, particularly if the German does not renew with Bayern. Real Madrid's strategy is focused on three potential free signings: Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Additionally, the club plans to make a major investment in Florian Wirtz, valued at $131 million, to strengthen the midfield with a more offensive profile. This leaves Musiala out of Madrid's plans, as the club has identified Wirtz as its main target in that role.
Nonetheless, the possibility of signing Kimmich remains an attractive alternative. His technical profile and versatility, being able to play as a central midfielder, interior, or even right-back, align with Real Madrid's need to fill the void left by Kroos's departure after the last Euro. At 29 years old (turning 30 in June), Kimmich remains at his best, and his quality makes him an appealing option, especially in a season where the team has felt the absence of a midfielder with his vision.
Kimmich, for his part, has not ruled out a future move outside of Germany. At the end of last season, in an interview with AS, he mentioned his interest in Real Madrid and Barcelona, noting that both clubs have an "incredible" history. However, Kimmich also made it clear that his priority is to talk with Bayern first.
If Bayern fails to retain players like Davies, Kimmich, and Musiala, the team could face a rebuilding challenge that may impact its competitiveness at the European level. For Real Madrid, the opportunity to bring in players of Kimmich and Davies’s caliber would mean a crucial boost in maintaining their competitive edge for the coming years.