Headline rephrased: Leader Kimmich resists in the command center
In the early part of 2024, Joshua Kimmich finds himself relegated to the bench in the central midfield for Bayern, with demands for his services on the right-back position surging. By the latter half of the year, not only does Kimmich return to his preferred position in the center, but he also stands on the threshold of captaining the German national team, following the retirement of İlkay Gündoğan.
Kimmich's fortunes took a turn for the better as he was dismissed to the right-back position at both Bayern and the national team in the summer of 2024, sparking rumors of his potential departure from Munich. However, recent developments have seen a dramatic upturn for the 29-year-old. The departure of İlkay Gündoğan and Toni Kroos have opened up opportunities for Kimmich to return to the center, and moreover, has positioned him as a strong contender to take over the captaincy role in the German national team.
The flurry of changes has left the coach of the German national team, Julian Nagelsmann, with a dilemma to address before the upcoming Nations League matches against Hungary (Sept. 7) and the Netherlands (Sept. 10). Nagelsmann also must retool his midfield following the departures of influential figures Gündoğan and Kroos, thereby providing Kimmich with the prospect of reclaiming his favored position in defense.
At Bayern, these shifts have already commenced. Under the new coach Vincent Kompany, Kimmich resumed his role in central midfield during the test matches and even in the cup victory against SSV Ulm (4-0). Despite a fierce battle for the position with the likes of Joao Palhinha, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Konrad Laimer, Eberl, the sporting director of Bayern, recently stated, "For us, it was inevitable that Josh would end up at the center with us. We gave it some thought."
The injury sustained by Josip Stanisic does not appear to pose an obstacle, with several other candidates, such as Sacha Boey, young Adam Aznou, and versatile Konrad Laimer, vying for the right-back position. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer also regards Kimmich's repositioning in a positive light. "Jo had a more offensive stance in midfield and delivered a stellar performance," Neuer commended shortly after the Ulm match. The once looming possibility of Kimmich's departure from Munich after nine years has been replaced by ongoing talks to extend his contract that expires in 2025.
As reported by Eberl, "The initial discussions have been promising," with a definite intention to retain Kimmich as a key player for Bayern in the future. However, the final shape of these negotiations remains to be seen. Despite facing renewed speculation, Kimmich has made clear his desire to remain with the record champions. "By and large, I already feel like I'm very comfortable here," he recently confirmed. His family, consisting of four children born in Munich, "has built a home here," making FC Bayern "a constant point of reference" for Kimmich.
In what appears to be a turn of events, Kimmich has been thrust back into the limelight, his star shining brighter than ever before. "I'm extremely hunger for the upcoming season", Kimmich declared, revealing his ambition to achieve great things. And now, with him at the heart of the action, the stage is set for the Munich giants to attain their lofty objectives.
Kimmich's shift to the right-back position at Bayern initially sparked rumors of his departure, but his impressive performances in the new role and the departures of Gundogan and Kroos have opened up opportunities for him to return to central midfield. In the German national team, his strong performances and Gundogan's retirement have positioned him as a strong contender to take over the captaincy role.
