A report has emerged that has detailed a Manchester City target’s stipulations in mind before he makes a move to the Premier League winners.
For a majority of players in world football, a potential transfer to the Etihad Stadium must be a dream move.
The opportunity of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, alongside some of the best players in the game, under Pep Guardiola’s guidance and in the most-watched league across the globe are factors that make the transfer incredibly appealing for any player in football.
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Joshua Kimmich has big Pep Guardiola question as he ponders Man City move
However, several factors come into play before joining a foreign league.
Especially to a club like City, who alongside Real Madrid are perhaps the pinnacle as far as clubs go in world football for the past few years — making the decision to potentially sign for them all the more bigger.
The player in question is Joshua Kimmich, who was reported last week to be unwilling to extend his contract beyond 2025 — with both him and Bayern Munich believed to be ready to part ways this summer.
The Sun have reported that while Kimmich is “swaying” towards a move to Manchester City, he would like to know if Pep Guardiola intends to sign a brand-new deal beyond 2025.
However, the German international is believed to incredibly keen on playing under Guardiola; so much so that he is willing to take a punt and join the Sky Blues — regardless of the lack of clarity around his former manager’s future.
While Vincent Kompany is open to Kimmich staying at the Allianz Arena, Bayern are willing to sell him for £40 million in the summer instead of losing him on a free transfer next year.
The 29-year-old, branded as “world-class” by Julian Nagelsmann [via Bundesliga’s official website] also wishes to play more frequently in midfield than at right-back. Kimmich believes due to Guardiola tending to play players in multiple positions, the opportunity to play in the middle of the park would be more likely at Manchester City than at other clubs.
The report states that Pep Guardiola values the Champions League winner’s versatility as he could emerge as a brilliant option in midfield and top-class competition for Kyle Walker at right-back.
It has also been reported that while Real Madrid and Barcelona have been in contact to sign Kimmich, he prefers a move to the Premier League. In terms of his wage demands, the decorated defender is eyeing £200,000.
Pep Guardiola should primarily use Joshua Kimmich as right-back
Considering Kimmich seems desperate to reunite with Pep Guardiola, his move to England seems doable from a Manchester City standpoint.
However, when it comes to the eight-time Bundesliga winner’s reported desire to mainly play in midfield, Guardiola should inform him that he would rather deploy him as a right-back.
Considering Kimmich has plenty of experience playing as an inverted right-back, his desire of playing in the middle of the park could be fulfilled at City, even if he is not deployed in the role on a full-time basis.
Additionally, with Kyle Walker not having had the best of seasons, the former RB Leipzig technician would prove to be a massive upgrade on him in the position — making his qualities at right-back more desirable for the Catalan tactician than his experience in midfield.
However, in City’s pitch to persuade Kimmich to sign for them, he should be made aware that the opportunity of playing in midfield remains on the table — even if it on an infrequent basis.
The German’s versatility is one of the primary reasons why he is a special player and a key factor behind any club being interested in securing his services is the tactical flexibility he offers to managers.