Joshua Kimmich ends transfer speculation with long-term Bayern Munich contract | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich has finally put pen to paper on a new Bayern Munich contract until June 2029, belatedly quashing the transfer speculation which has been swirling around him all season.

The 30-year-old midfielder had allowed his existing deal with Bayern to run down until its final three months, prompting the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid to express their interest in a free transfer this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain reportedly tabled an official offer, but Kimmich has always appeared to lean towards staying in Munich.

Shortly after Kimmich heavily hinted at a resolution, Bayern Munich have confirmed a new deal.

The serial Bundesliga winner explained the thought process behind his decision: "At FC Bayern, I have the best environment to achieve my sporting goals. I made my decision based on that. Currently, there's no better package of teammates, coaching staff, and club environment for me to achieve maximum success. I feel comfortable here, and I'm not finished yet."

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer hinted at the tensions which have boiled beneath the surface of these negotiations when he said: "A compliment to our sporting management and our board: FC Bayern needs players who don't just wear the jersey, but also take responsibility - on and off the pitch. And Joshua Kimmich is just such a player."

Other members of Bayern's hierarchy queued up to laud the midfielder. "Mentalism and identity - that's what Joshua Kimmich stands for," Max Eberl, the board member for sport, gushed. "He has internalised FC Bayern's DNA for years and embodies it both on and off the pitch. Where others stop, he's just getting started. We're delighted that he'll continue to lead our team."

Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund added: "Everyone can see how passionate Joshua Kimmich is about the game and his club, every minute of the game. He leads the way as a leader, pushes people forward, and provides inspiration: a driving force that will tirelessly drive FC Bayern forward in the future."