Joshua Kimmich extends Bayern Munich deal
- Chuck Smith
- Mar 9, 2018
- 3 min read
Bayern Munich right back extraordinaire Joshua Kimmich will play in Munich through 2023 based on the extension he signed this morning. The move was expected based on reports earlier in the week and Kimmich figures to be a vital part of the Die Roten machine as it transitions away from its elder statesmen to a next generation model.
Kimmich is still a bit of an unknown commodity to many who do not closely follow the Bundesliga, but his performance on a world stage during the Confederations Cup last summer gave many outsiders - including some of Europe's top clubs - just an idea of how special the right back can be.
Kimmich’s agent, Uli Ferber, noted that while Kimmich drew interest from some major clubs, but the right back had his sights set on staying with Bayern: “Enquiries were made and big clubs wanted Josh but he never entertained the idea of leaving. He wants to become one of the faces of FC Bayern.”
Kimmich joined Bayern from Leipzig at the beginning of the 2015/16 season and has made 109 competitive appearances, notching 13 goals..
“I’m very happy I’ve extended my contract so early. It shows the club and the officials have a lot of trust in me and see me as an important factor for FC Bayern’s long-term sporting success. It makes me proud. I’m grateful that I’ve always been able to develop at the highest possible level, and that it’ll go on - and that I have the best conditions to take on an important role, in the national team too. My goals and the club’s goals for the coming years are very ambitious, and I want to play my part and do everything to achieve them with the team,” Kimmich said.
Bayern Mumich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge espoused Kimmich's talent and his role as a building block for Die Roten's future foundation: “Over the last two and a half years, Joshua has developed into a mainstay of our team. That’s why we’re extremely pleased we’ve secured his services for the long term. Thanks to his exceptionally positive progress in the right-back position, FC Bayern has achieved a seamless transition to the future.”
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić also was pleased to keep the 23-year old as part of the Bayern core: “He’s still only young but accepts responsibility and leads the way on and off the pitch. Joshua is an important component of the FC Bayern of the future, and we hope to celebrate plenty of success over the next few years.”
Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes also chimed in on Joshua Kimmich stating that he has "massive potential to further develop and follow in the footsteps of Philipp Lahm to become a legend at Bayern Munich."
The Barrel's Take
The move was key to Bayern's future planning. Kimmich is undeniably one of the top right backs in the world at the moment and has possibly only touched on his own ability and potential. By staying with Bayern, Kimmich will have the chance to grown with the team's young core of players such as Niklas Sule and Kingsley Coman - along with the incoming Leon Goretzka, while also absorbing the experience and leadership that is brought to the table by players such as Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels, and Jerome Boateng.
We think Kimmich is a star, even if most outside the Bundesliga aren't as familiar with him. The World Cup this summer could be a great chance for those people to appreciate Kimmich's talent while playing with a loaded Germany national team.
In any event, with one more position locked down for the next five years, the future only keeps getting brighter in Munich.
Per FCBayern.com, here are Kimmich's career statistics:
Overall Statistics:
109 competitive appearances (13 goals, 17 assists)
71 Bundesliga appearances (7 goals, 11 assists)
24 Champions League appearances (5 goals, 3 assists)
12 DFB Cup appearances (1 goal, 1 assist)
2 Supercup appearances (2 assists)
Current Season:
Kimmich has played in 33 out of 37 competitive matches this season, scoring 4 goals and providing 13 assists. He’s currently the second-best provider in the Bundesliga, setting up 8 goals. FC Augsburg’s Philipp Max is just ahead of him with 10 assists. He’s played the ball more often than any other FC Bayern man (1,842 touches) and delivered the most crosses or corners (84). He’s also run further than any other player (11.8 kilometers per game).
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