Joshua Kimmich makes demand over Bayern Munich future
- Kimmich is approaching the final 12 months of his contract
- Versatile midfielder has been linked with Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool & Barcelona
- Bayern must find a new manager before finalising Kimmich's future
By Tom Gott
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed Joshua Kimmich has postponed talks over a contract extension at the Allianz Arena until a new manager has been found.
It was confirmed earlier this year that Thomas Tuchel will leave his post as manager at the end of the season, leaving Bayern forced to find a new boss. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso was the top target before he publicly ruled himself out of the race on Friday.
Alonso's decision means Bayern now have to look elsewhere in their search for a new manager and Kimmich is not prepared to make a decision on his future until that job is done.
"Josh says very clearly: 'Max, I want to know who the new coach is'," Eberl told Sky. "Then these questions will arise.
"Whether he wants it or whether we want it, it is ultimately up to Joshua to decide. But the first question is the question of the coach."
Finding a new manager is crucial for Bayern, whose uncertain path has also led to problems negotiating an extension with left-back Alphonso Davies.
Eberl hit Davies with a public ultimatum about a new contract earlier this month, but his agent recent bit back by insisting it was "unfair" to ask the left-back to make a decision without knowing the identity of the new manager.
With Kimmich's deal winding down, a number of top sides across Europe have been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old.
Manchester United were recently touted as suitors, while Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona have long been linked with Kimmich.