Why extending Kimmich's contract could prove difficult for Bayern

Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl has his hands full at the moment.

Extending Jamal Musiala's contract beyond 2026 is a top priority, but at the same time he has to keep an eye on a number of contracts that expire in the summer of 2025. Joshua Kimmich's is one of them.

Eberl is trying to bring down the wage bill, but whether he will be able to negotiate a pay cut with Kimmich is more than questionable, according to Sky Germany.

After a difficult spell under Thomas Tuchel, the Germany captain is once again a key figure for Bayern under Vincent Kompany, who sees him as one of the most important players alongside Musiala and Harry Kane.

Kompany is therefore understandably keen to keep hold of Kimmich, whose standing under the Belgian coach has put him in a strong negotiating position.

While Bayern remain the first point of contact, the lack of appreciation Kimmich felt last season has left its mark, as he recently hinted.

“I am in dialogue with the club and that will continue. Eight or ten weeks ago the situation was different. People were saying, ‘When is Kimmich going to leave?’ The decision has to be carefully considered. Of course, the past plays a role, but so does the future,” Kimmich recently said at a press conference.

In around six weeks' time, Kimmich could begin negotiations with other clubs without the consent of his employers, with clubs from Spain and England said to be monitoring his situation.

Time is ticking, and Eberl can't afford to wait too long if he wants the 29-year-old to commit his long-term future to Bayern.