It is no secret that Barcelona strongly admire Bayern Munich midfield mainstay Joshua Kimmich. Despite making three signings official in Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez, and Vitor Roque, who will arrive in the summer of 2024, Barcelona is still waiting to see how they can strengthen the squad for the 2023–23 season.
The Catalan giants were interested in signing the German international this summer, but the financial implications meant a move was never realistic. Furthermore, Bayern Munich also had no intentions of parting ways with the 28-year-old midfielder.
This was confirmed by club president Joan Laporta, who affirmed that the club is exploring how to strengthen the squad, and for that, it is believed that a right-back and two or more midfielders will be needed.
But, reports in Germany earlier this week suggested that Bayern Munich no longer see him as non-transferable and could be open to a sale if favourable offers arriveBut management needs to cut salaries to execute more signings. The idea right now is to sanction as many sales as they can before the squad leaves for the United States for their pre-season camp.
Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that this development has alerted Barcelona, who are still interested in Kimmich. The Blaugranas know a transfer would be out of reach this summer but will continue to monitor him as an option for the future. In that regard, SPORT reports that six players are on the chopping block at the moment.
Clement Lenglet
For now, Barça have roped in Oriol Romeu to reinforce the defensive midfield position following the exit of Sergio Busquets. It's no secret that Lenglet has no place in Xavi’s blueprint. Barcelona is in extensive negotiations with Tottenham to finalize the defender's permanent transfer.
The 31-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Blaugrana, but the Catalans will look for a longer-term quality option at the pivot position. At the moment, everyone involved is trying to reach a middle ground in terms of finances, as it is believed that the Premier League club is not willing to offer more than €5 million for the Frenchman. But a compromise could be reached soon.
Nico Gonzalez
A lot has been said about Nico Gonzalez’s future of late, and it is absolutely clear that the midfielder will leave on loan again to get regular first-team football. Teams such as Girona, Betis, and FC Porto are chasing his signature, with the Portuguese club appearing to be the likely destination.
At Porto, he will get to play in the UEFA Champions League, which will be great exposure for the young talent. At the same time, it is said that Girona want to include him on loan as part of Oriol Romeu’s transfer
Pablo Torre
We reported before that Torre would not be part of the US tour as he nears a loan move away from Barcelona. Everyone hopes to finalize everything next week.
As things stand, the 20-year-old appears to be headed to Girona on loan as part of the deal that will see the Blaugrana sign Oriol Romeu for €5 million plus variables.
Franck Kessie
The most complicated of all is Franck Kessie. The midfielder, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer, has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. However, he appears reluctant to move there.
Xavi plans to speak with him next week to let him know his plans. At the moment, Barça's most tempting option for Kessie is Juventus. However, for that to happen, the Bianconeri would first have to close a few transfers of their own.
Julian Araujo
Like many Barcelona youngsters, Julian Araujo is likely to leave on loan. We have reported before that newly promoted La Liga club Las Palmas could be the right-back’s next destination.
This move could benefit everyone involved, as the Mexican would get some valuable minutes under his belt. This would give me European football experience.
Alex Collado
Barcelona’s plan with Alex Collado is pretty clear: termination of the contract and a move as a free agent with a percentage of future sales secured.
For the moment, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis project is said to be the best-placed team to sign the La Masia graduate, with the deal being held back by the Verdiblancos’ own financial issues.
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