Manchester City continued its generational run last season, winning a record fourth straight Premier League title, advancing to the finals of the FA Cup for the second consecutive season, and making the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The blue and white’s offseason is in full swing, and while some of the expected developments have occurred, such as the re-signing of Stefan Ortega, that big move has yet to go down.
With the blue and white still yet to make that splash move, the rumor mill has been churning, and Manchester City has been linked to a star Bayern Munich midfielder.
Manchester City is interested in Joshua Kimmich
According to a Yahoo Sports report, Kimmich has been linked with a move to Manchester City this summer. The German international is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract.
The 29-year-old signed his most recent extension with Bayern Munich in 2021 and is set to become a free agent, leaving the Bundesliga giants in a predicament of whether to sell or risk letting Kimmich walk for nothing.
Kimmich played in 31 matches across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season, starting all but one, scoring one goal, and registering seven assists.
While plenty of clubs are interested in the German international, including fellow Premier League contenders Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City has an edge: Pep Guardiola.
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Guardiola has deep ties with Kimmich
Before Guardiola became the manager of Manchester City, the Spanish native was the manager at Bayern Munich from 2013-16, where he managed and gave Kimmich his debut.
Guardiola consistently praised the German international during the pair’s time together.
“He’s got absolutely everything. He can do everything, and he gives everything,” Guardiola said after a match against Borussia Dortmund in March 2016. “He’s always switched on, strong in the air and confident in possession. I can only pay a huge compliment to Joshua Kimmich–he deserves everything that comes his way.”
Time will tell if Manchester City and Bayern Munich can reach an agreement—which will be delayed until the end of the European Championships—but with the relationship between Guardiola and Kimmich alongside the need for midfielders, things could be lining up for a reunion at the Etihad.