Kimmich nearly signed for PSG

One of the most important players of Bayern Munich in recent years, Joshua Kimmich, has admitted that he came very close to leaving the club two years ago. Thomas Tuchel came to coach the Bavarians in 2023 and left soon, in 2024. But during this period the club experienced turmoil from top to bottom. Nobody liked the German coach, and even today, in some interviews, the club’s honorary president Uli Hoeness mentions him. One of the players who suffered during his period was Joshua Kimmich. He was either playing as the right back, or was on the bench. So, when his contract was near it’s end, it was logical that he was thinking of leaving.

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He spoke about those details in a documentary released by ZDF.

"The club's support wasn't what you'd hope for or want. I had the feeling that Bayern were very open to letting me go. That doesn't help to strengthen the bond between club and player. I spoke with Max Eberl. He confirmed it to me again: 'If you want to leave, then you're for sale, that's possible'. As things stand, I don't know what would have to happen for me to extend my contract here. Even if we win 30 games in a row here, the financial offer is insane, and the club is fully behind me. I don't want to rule it out 100 percent, but I'm 95 percent sure I won't extend my contract here" he revealed.

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There was one serious club which really wanted him – Paris Saint Germain.

"Paris was a club that showed a strong commitment. One that I hadn't even really considered. I've already spoken with the sporting director Luis Campos and the coach Luis Enrique. When the interest is high, and I have to say they did a really good job and gave you the impression that they really wanted you, then you naturally start looking into it” said Kimmich.

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A transfer eventually fell, but PSG made a serious move again in January 2025. What no one knows: PSG sporting director Campos even visited the Bayern star at his home in Munich.

"That really grabbed me. I was supposed to be an important piece of the puzzle as a player with a bit more experience. And that definitely has an effect on you. Paris sent me an offer. The financial aspect was incredible. Really. Very, very incredible, I have to say. But I didn't want to make that the deciding factor” he said.

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So, a different tactic was needed. Kimmich couldn’t travel to Paris and remain unrecognized. So, his wife went instead. Lina flew there in February 2025 and was met by the PSG team manager.

"We looked at everything. Schools, residential areas. I met Campos and coach Enrique at PSG's training ground” she revealed in a documentary.

So, why in the end he decided to sign a new contract with Bayern? Mainly due to the new coach – Vincent Kompany.

"I've never felt such a great deal of trust as I do now. It's not like I'm single and can only make decisions for my career. I also have a responsibility to make decisions for my family members and to do the right thing" he said.