Manchester City Targeting Joshua Kimmich Despite Guardiola’s Transfer Policy

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering breaking one of his long-standing transfer policies to sign Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich.

For the first time in his Bayern career, the 29-year-old endured a trophyless season in the 2023-24 campaign as Bayern Munich fell short in the Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB-Pokal, and German Super Cup. Despite the team’s struggles, Kimmich still had a productive season personally, contributing two goals and ten assists in 43 appearances under Thomas Tuchel, who moved him back to his previous right-back role in the latter half of the season.

Kimmich, who joined Bayern from Stuttgart in a £7.2m deal in 2015, has now given the club nine years of service. As it stands, his contract allows him to leave on a free transfer in 2025. Reports suggest Kimmich has already declined one offer for a contract extension from Bayern, which could pressure the club into selling him this summer if renewal talks do not reach a positive outcome.

Interest in Kimmich spans several top clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Liverpool. Despite maintaining a relaxed attitude about his future when questioned in March, Kimmich did not commit to staying with Bayern.

According to Sport Bild via The Sun, Guardiola is particularly keen on signing Kimmich, whom he managed for one season at Bayern in the 2015-16 campaign. Guardiola is said to consider Kimmich one of the ‘best players’ he has managed. However, signing him would require Guardiola to break his ‘unwritten’ transfer rule of not re-signing players he has previously coached. This rule has only been lifted twice in his career: when he signed Thiago Alcantara for Bayern from Barcelona in 2013 and brought Claudio Bravo to Manchester City from Barcelona in 2016.

Kimmich’s potential move to Manchester City could also influence Barcelona’s efforts to sign Joao Cancelo permanently following his loan spell. If City signs Kimmich, it might make them more willing to let Cancelo leave for a reduced fee, benefiting Barcelona.

Guardiola previously utilized Kimmich’s versatility, deploying him across various defensive and midfield roles. With Kimmich now returning to right-back duties for both club and country and with City’s current right-back Kyle Walker entering the final two years of his contract, Kimmich could be seen as a long-term successor.

Joshua Kimmich’s potential transfer to Manchester City highlights Guardiola’s high regard for the player’s abilities and strategic fit for City’s plans.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the unfolding developments will reveal whether City can secure Kimmich’s signature, even if it means breaking Guardiola’s usual transfer protocols.