Hansi Flick is betting on German superstar to be his next pivot above other transfer targets | OneFootball

According to Ferran Correas in his report for SPORT, Hansi Flick has his sights set on Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich to strengthen the defensive midfield position.

Flick, the new Barcelona manager, sees Kimmich as the perfect addition to his team and favours him above the rest of the targets.

Barcelona are on the lookout to bolster two key areas: the left wing and the pivot. So far, names like Amadou Onana and Mikel Merino have been considered, but it appears that Flick is most keen on bringing Kimmich on board.

The German midfielder is highly regarded not only by Flick but also by Xavi, who had him and Martin Zubimendi on his list of top choices.

For what it is worth, Flick’s preference for Kimmich is understandable given their history. Flick knows him very well, having managed him at Bayern Munich and the German national team.

Now, it can be argued that Kimmich has been playing as a right-back under Julian Nagelsmann, but under Flick, he excelled in the central midfield role as well.

Flick wants his trusted deputies

Joshua Kimmich is being favoured by Hansi Flick. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

It is suggested that in his first season at Barcelona, Flick aims to surround himself with players he trusts. He already has a rapport with key players like Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Robert Lewandowski, and Ilkay Gundogan.

Flick sees many virtues in Kimmich: his versatility, tactical discipline, positional awareness, and excellent ball-handling skills. He believes Kimmich would be a perfect fit for Barcelona, providing the stability and skill needed in the midfield.

He is determined to convince Kimmich to join Barcelona, despite the player’s current focus on the European Championship in Germany.

Kimmich is set to leave Bayern

In Germany, there is a growing consensus that Kimmich will leave Bayern Munich this summer. His contract ends in 2025, and he has shown no interest in renewing it. Therefore, Bayern are keen to sell him this summer to earn some money from his transfer.

As reported before, Kimmich could be transferred for around €30 million, making him an attractive prospect for several European clubs.

Barcelona will face stiff competition to secure his services, with major Premier League clubs also showing interest. Liverpool, in particular, seems to have taken a lead in the race for Kimmich.

These clubs are likely to offer higher salaries than Barcelona can, but Flick hopes to leverage his relationship with Kimmich to sway the player’s decision.