Transfer Centre

Manchester United, Liverpool 'leading race for Joshua Kimmich'

By Ben Sully | 02 January 2024

Manchester United, Liverpool 'leading race for Kimmich'

Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.

The 28-year-old has spent the last nine years at the Allianz Arena after arriving from fellow German club RB Leipzig in January 2015.

Despite enjoying a long association with Bayern, his future with the perennial German champions is currently the subject of much speculation.

Kimmich has entered the final 18 months of his Bayern contract, and it is currently unclear whether he will sign a new deal with the club.

Should he decide against extending his stay, the Bavarians may view next summer's transfer window as one final chance to receive a considerable fee for the Germany international.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts on December 26, 2023 © Reuters

With Kimmich facing an uncertain future with his current employers, his situation has led to interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

According to AS, the two Premier League rivals are currently leading the race to secure the midfielder's signature.

While it is unlikely that he will leave Bayern in January, Man United and Liverpool are open to making an offer in the summer.

Man United are keen to bring in midfield reinforcements, with several players likely to head through the exit door over the next two transfer windows.

Donny van de Beek has already joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the second half of the season in a deal that includes a purchase option.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on December 26, 2023 © Reuters

Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat could return to his parent club at the end of the campaign, while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have both been linked with exits.

As for Liverpool, they completed a midfield overhaul in the summer, recruiting Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo following a number of departures.

Although they may not be in any rush to bolster their options in the middle of the park, they could decide to delve into the market at the end of the season, with Thiago Alcantara likely to leave when his contract expires.

In addition to Man United and Liverpool, Kimmich is also said to be attracting interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.

Despite being linked with a move away, he continues to be a regular fixture in Thomas Tuchel's side, having made 20 appearances across all competitons this term.