According to Bild, Bayern Munich want the ‘old’ Joshua Kimmich back.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimmich was considered the leader in Bayern’s midfield and one of the club’s most important players.
On and off the pitch, the German international was regarded as a symbol of excellence for Der Rekordmeister.
However, when the 29-year-old elected to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine initially, he quickly became isolated under Julian Nagelsmann.
Then, under Thomas Tuchel, Kimmich’s role at the club was diminished further, with the former Bayern head coach forcing the midfielder into an unfavourable right-back slot.
Nevertheless, with significant change occurring at the Allianz Arena, returning the 29-year-old to being a leading player in midfield is one of the key tasks on Max Eberl’s list.
It is understood that the German international has spoken to Bayern’s director of sport as well as Vincent Kompany and the club’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, where the general consensus is that they want the old Joshua Kimmich back.
In João Palhinha, the record champions feel as though they have their ideal number six, which would allow Kimmich to return to his number eight role.
This would allow Kimmich to become the leader in midfield once again, receiving the full support from those in charge in Bavaria.
As well as this, while talks over a new deal will not start yet, there is a feeling as though Kimmich could be given the Bayern captaincy should he agree to lower his salary demands and sign a new long-term deal at the Allianz Arena.
GGFN | Will Shopland
