As the “face of our club”
The article was supplemented in the last section with another reaction from Max Eberl.
Sports director Max Eberl makes Joshua Kimmich’s desired contract extension at FC Bayern attractive, including the captaincy. “I think we are very, very open with him,” Eberl told “Sport Bild”. “We tell him: We want to extend the contract with you. We say he should become the captain of FC Bayern when Manuel Neuer is no longer on the pitch at some point. And we let him know that he should become a face of our club. We made that clear to him and we stand behind it.”
Kimmich’s contract with the record champions expires at the end of the season. The midfield boss has been active for Bayern since July 1, 2015, making him the longest-serving professional after Manuel Neuer (38) and Thomas Müller (35). Under coach Vincent Kompany, the 29-year-old is the undisputed leader in the central midfield this season.
After the resignation of İlkay Gündoğan (34), Kimmich was promoted to captain in the national team under national coach Julian Nagelsmann. At Bayern he has long been considered the top candidate for this position when Neuer ends his career.
According to media reports, Kimmich, who is considered one of Bayern’s top earners, will have to make slight cuts in his salary in the event of an extension. “As far as the salary and what is being speculated about in public, I can only say: We are trying to extend with Josh and will try to reach an agreement,” said Eberl. “That affects the sporting aspect, the perspective aspect, but also the financial aspect. We want to reach agreement with Josh on all three levels.”
Update November 27th, 6:45 a.m.: Even after the important 1-0 win in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, Eberl Kimmich once again praised Kimmich highly. “The contract is expiring. Josh can now decide: Would he like to go on another big adventure? Or does he want to become another legend at Bayern Munich?” said the sports director. “It’s a decision that you can sleep on for a few nights.” There are open and good conversations that he and sports director Christoph Freund are having with Kimmich. “There is no extension yet. Joshua knows we want it. We are ready, if he says yes, to finally get this over the table.” Kimmich is “getting back to the level where he was before, where he was one of the best midfielders in the world.”
Swiss
