According to a report from SPORT, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has turned down an offer from Barcelona because he feels it does not meet his expectations.
Barcelona have had their eye on Kimmich for a long time, even during the tenure of Xavi.
There was speculation that things might change with the arrival of Hansi Flick, but it turns out, Kimmich remains a top priority for Barcelona as they look to strengthen their midfield this summer.
Now, it is to be noted that Flick has coached Kimmich both at Bayern Munich and with the German national team and he believes that the versatile player would be a great addition to Barcelona’s midfield.
Why has Kimmich rejected Barcelona?
It is said that there have been advanced talks between Barcelona and Kimmich, but negotiations have hit a snag due to a disagreement over finances, as the salary offered by Barcelona does not match what Kimmich is expecting.
According to sources, Kimmich currently earns around €19.5 million before taxes and this is a figure that Barcelona find difficult to match.
Now, there are two main issues delaying an agreement. First, Barcelona need to adhere to the 1:1 spending rule, which they have not yet achieved and are dependent on receiving funds that Libero failed to provide in the past.
Secondly, Barcelona needs to maintain a balanced salary structure, which is set to become more challenging next season with Robert Lewandowski’s salary, which is close to €30 million.
Barcelona will still pursue Kimmich
Kimmich’s salary demands are in conflict with Barcelona’s financial constraints and it remains to be seen what will happen in the coming months regarding this potential transfer.
Overall, while Barcelona are keen to bring him to their team and believe he would significantly improve their midfield, financial hurdles are proving to be a major obstacle.
The club needs to sort out its financial situation and comply with spending rules, all while trying to manage an already hefty wage bill.
This delicate balance makes it difficult to meet Kimmich’s salary demands. For now, we must wait for this situation to unfold to see whether Barcelona can find a way to secure his signature.
