Barcelona is gearing up for a highly anticipated La Liga clash against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium next Sunday in the 28th round of the competition.
The match is crucial, as Barcelona currently sits at the top of the league table with 57 points, level on goal difference with second-placed Real Madrid. Additionally, Hansi Flick’s squad has an extra game to play against Osasuna, giving them a potential advantage in the title race.
Meanwhile, controversy has emerged regarding a possible transfer, as reports from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional indicate that Barcelona’s potential move for Joshua Kimmich was met with internal resistance.
The German midfielder, who was available on a free transfer before extending his contract with Bayern Munich, did not receive unanimous support within the team’s dressing room. Despite Kimmich’s reputation as one of Europe’s top midfielders with vast experience and a successful career, several Barcelona players were reportedly against his signing.
Sources close to the club revealed that at least three key players—Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi—were among those who opposed the move. Their primary concerns centered on Kimmich’s ability to integrate into the team and his potential impact on squad harmony.
Some members of the squad believed that his strong personality and leadership style could lead to clashes with existing team leaders. There were also worries that his presence might disrupt the positive atmosphere within the dressing room.
Additionally, some questioned whether Kimmich, now 30 years old, still possessed the same hunger and ambition as younger players. Barcelona has been strongly committed to developing its youth system, with Laporta prioritizing emerging talents such as Marc Casado.
Bringing in Kimmich could have potentially hindered the development of these younger players, which did not align with the club’s long-term vision.
Although Hansi Flick was reportedly in favor of signing Kimmich, some within the dressing room felt that Barcelona had more pressing priorities in other positions rather than reinforcing the midfield. With De Jong, Gavi, and Pedri already forming a strong core, they believed that investing in other areas would be more beneficial for the squad.
Ultimately, Laporta and Flick respected the opinions of the team’s leaders and decided against pursuing Kimmich. The German midfielder then opted to extend his contract with Bayern Munich until 2029, putting an end to any speculation about a move to Barcelona.
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