For a very long time, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich has been linked with a sensational move to Barcelona.
These rumours ramped up even more when his former coach, Hansi Flick, joined Barca as the clubs new manager last summer.
Flick had worked with Kimmich for many years at Bayern Munich and reportedly had a very close relationship with the German midfielder.
The stars were seemingly aligning for a deal to happen as it was recently reported that contract talks between the Bavarian club and Kimmich had broken down, opening the door for him to leave for free next summer.
Barcelona out of the race for Joshua Kimmich
Unfortunately for many people who were hoping the Blaugrana would complete this signing, reports in Spain have all but ruled out any potential deal.
Relevo, via Managing Barca, have now claimed that Kimmich is no longer a part of Barca’s plans, unless ‘the Earth turns flat’.
The report states that Deco and Joan Laporta are focused on restoring the 1/1 FFP rule, leaving no room in the wage structure for Kimmich’s high wages.
Barcelona also do not see him as a necessary addition to the starting XI, considering how well Flick has managed the midfield this season.
Kimmich is reportedly on €375k per week at Bayern and if Barca were to match that he would become the second-highest-earning player behind Robert Lewandowski.
Not to mention the signing-on fee that the 30-year-old would demand for joining on a free transfer. Due to these circumstances, it is understandable why Deco has bowed out of the race for his signature.