Joshua Kimmich is one of the big names linked to Barcelona in the summer 2024 transfer window, as he is one of their top options to fill the defensive midfield void still left unfilled after the departure of club legend Sergio Busquets to MLS last season.
The Bayern Munich star may want to leave Bavaria this summer amidst clashes with manager Thomas Tuchel. Although Tuchel is set to step down at the end of the campaign, the damage may already be done.
Kimmich was integral to Bayern Munich winning the treble under Hansi Flick’s management in the 2019/20 season, which included an unforgettable 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the Champions League knockout stages.
That season, Kimmich bossed the midfield with four goals, seven assists, and 2.3 key passes per game. In the previous three seasons to the current 2023/24 campaign, Kimmich has scored a combined 12 goals with 27 assists, making him one of the best creative deep-lying midfielders in the game.
However, Kimmich has been a little bit disappointing in 2023/24 compared to his usual standard, as Bayern Munich have already ceded the league for the first time in 12 years to Bayer Leverkusen.
There have been cries from within Germany that Kimmich isn’t a true “6”, with some even believing he needs to transition back to being the best right back in the world.
Barcelona seem to feel differently, holding a high opinion of Kimmich’s “bulldog” ball-winning in midfield, sharpshooting from distance, skill in tight spaces on the ball, and elite creative passing from deep.
Although Kimmich can be too “soft” on and off the ball to be a true defensive midfielder and can get sloppy under pressure near his own box, he has so many positive traits.
The issue isn’t that Barcelona should avoid signing Kimmich. He could be a great addition to their midfield at the right price, depending on Bayern’s transfer stance.
No, Barcelona need to be careful about anointing him as a “6” and making him a single pivot anywhere near resembling the mold of Sergio Busquets and what he was tasked with doing.
Kimmich is a different player. He’s not as defensive nor as disciplined. Kimmich likes to be more forward-thinking with his passing and be the one to score or assist. Furthermore, he prefers to make the tackles defensively than rather cover space.
He needs to play next to a safe, disciplined midfielder who does those things so that he can be unlocked. That’s why Kimmich isn’t signing as much for Bayern Munich next to Leon Goretzka or Konrad Laimer.
Barcelona need to know who they would be getting in Kimmich. If they do and play their cards right, he would not be a bad investment. But if they expect him to be like Busquets, they could be in for another painful season.
The managing editor of The Trivela Effect, Kevin has 15 years of experience in digital media. He has been an editor for NFL Spin Zone, Daily DDT for pro wrestling, Autzen Zoo covering the Oregon Ducks, Musket Fire covering the New England Patriots, The Real Champs covering Real Madrid, Old Juve covering Juventus, Rush The Kop covering Liverpool, and Release The Knappen covering Schalke. His work has been featured in ESPN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, and other outlets. You can contact him at the site’s official Twitter handle @TrivelaEffect or via the site’s official email thetrivelaeffect@gmail.com.