“Nobody is above the club”

Bayern Munich bosses Max Eberl and Christoph Freund were asked about Joshua Kimmich’s uncertain future after Friday’s game against Stuttgart.

Following reports that Bayern Munich have withdrawn their offer to extend Joshua Kimmich’s contract, board member for sport Max Eberl is not ruling out the possibility of the midfielder leaving the club on a free transfer. 

An extension beyond the summer remains a possibility, but if the parties fail to reach an agreement, Kimmich will become a free agent at the end of the season. 

“In general, nobody is above the club, and if a player decides differently, he decides differently. And then things will continue at Bayern,” Eberl told the media after Bayern’s 3-1 win over Stuttgart on Friday when asked if Kimmich could depart the club as a free agent. 

However, he stressed that Bayern are not at that point with Kimmich and that he was speaking in general terms.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, meanwhile, said he expects Kimmich’s future to be resolved “very soon”. 

“There is so much speculation, so much is written, so much is reported: We have never given an update on the contract negotiations. We’re not going to do that now. I can only emphasise that we have had really good, fair talks with Jo over the last few months. We will continue to do so,” Freund told DAZN. 

“A decision will be made very soon. We’re not commenting on anything right now. So much has been reported. We are in direct talks with Jo and that’s the most important thing.” 

Kimmich missed Bayern’s win over Stuttgart due to a minor injury.