Kimmich hints Bayern contract renewal is close

Joshua Kimmich says he will extend his Bayern Munich contract “in the next few days” following their Champions League triumph on Tuesday.

Bayern beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday, cruising into the quarter-finals thanks to a 5-0 aggregate win.

Kimmich’s current contract, which he signed back in August 2021, is set to expire at the end of this season.

The German has made 429 appearances in all competitions for Bayern since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015, scoring 43 goals and registering 114 assists in that time.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl hinted last month that Kimmich was close to extending his stay at the club, with the 30-year-old now confirming just how close it is.

“[A new deal] will definitely be coming in the next few days,” he told reporters.

“It’s been difficult in the past few days because we’ve had so many games.”

Kimmich has played the most passes (1,103) and had the most touches (1,324) of any player in the Champions League this season.

Bayern have already renewed the contracts of Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala last month, with Kimmich long thought to be the next on that list.

The Germany captain had been linked with a move to Barcelona and Arsenal should he leave Bayern when his contract expires at the end of the season.