Bayern Munich midfielder names Xavi as his idol amid Barcelona transfer links

It is no secret that Barcelona were interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich during this past summer transfer window.

However, the club’s financial situation and Kimmich’s importance at the Allianz Arena meant that the move did not go through.

But, Kimmich is set to enter the final year of his contract at the Bundesliga club next year and it appears that Xavi still harbours hopes of signing the 28-year-old.

Kimmich idolises Xavi

Amidst this, Kimmich has revealed that he used to idolise the Barcelona manager while growing up.

Indeed, during a rapid-fire question segment on Bayern Munich’s official YouTube channel, players were asked to name their idols growing up.

And Kimmich replied: “Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona.”

This is not the first time that the German international has revealed his admiration for the 43-year-old Barcelona legend.

In the past as well, Kimmich has spoken of his reverence for Xavi, and two years ago, had said (h/t SportBild):

“He had an eye for the game, passing, technique. He was always trying to put others in the limelight. That impressed me, that’s what I want to orient myself towards. I met Xavi once at the training camp in Doha in 2019, that was a really cool moment!”

Kimmich to follow Lewandowski?

Back in 2022, when Robert Lewandowski entered the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, he pushed for a move to Barcelona and eventually ended up joining the Catalans, leading the club to the La Liga title in his very first season.

Now, there could be a possibility that Kimmich follows in his former footsteps as he is entering the last year of his deal in Bavaria and is yet to hold talks over a renewal.

Given the mutual admiration that Xavi and Kimmich share, the possibility of playing under his idol could very well tempt the German international.