“Then things must be clarified”
Will Kimmich extend? Bayern boss with clear words
January 11, 2025 – 7:15 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Will Joshua Kimmich stay at FC Bayern beyond the summer? Sports director Max Eberl gave an update on the DFB star before the big game in Gladbach – and explained when a decision should be made at the latest.
FC Bayern would like to extend the contract with figurehead Joshua Kimmich. The German national team captain’s working paper expires in the summer. Before Munich’s guest appearance at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday evening, sports director Max Eberl spoke about the status of the negotiations with Kimmich.
“I’m relaxed. It looks good,” said Eberl at the microphone on pay-TV channel Sky. “We talked a lot before Christmas. Christmas was a time when everyone could think a little bit. That’s what they did.” We will have further discussions with each other in the coming weeks. Eberl emphasized that there is no unrest.
Shortly afterwards, the 51-year-old confirmed when they wanted to have a decision on Kimmich’s personnel at the latest – both from Bayern and from the player side. “We all agree that when crunch time comes in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, things have to be clarified and decisions have to be made – in whatever direction.” He and sports director Christoph Freund would now continue to prepare this.
Eberl did not become more precise in defining the said “crunch time”. Regarding the Kimmich case, he probably means March or April. Then the round of 16 and quarter-finals are on the agenda in the premier class.
As the conversation continued, Eberl also confirmed that the negotiations with Bayern’s stars were also about the future vision. “The players want to know that in addition to all the monetary things,” explained Eberl.
Sky presenter Sebastian Hellmann then spoke of a possible “domino effect” on Säbener Straße. If Alphonso Davies were to extend his contract, Jamal Musiala might also be. That could then persuade Joshua Kimmich to extend his contract, said Hellmann. Eberl said: “The first stone just has to fall, right?”
Eberl was also asked about the expiring contracts of the old stars Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer. Hellmann asked whether he could say yes to extending the working papers of the two world champions. Eberl blocked it: “I can say yes when contracts have actually been signed.” But these are “more complex than you think.” Eberl nevertheless confirmed that they were “in good discussions”.
He became a little more specific with Thomas Müller. As Eberl emphasized at the press conference before the game, the 35-year-old can decide for himself what happens next for him. “In March, April we’ll sit down, we’ll look each other in the eye and then Thomas will give his opinion.” The club will then also communicate its position.
According to Eberl, the fact that Müller would continue to receive a lot of playing time at Bayern is because he is “an important player, with all his cleverness, with his experience”. That’s what the Munich squad needs, said Eberl.