Analysis: Why it’s not a good idea for Joshua Kimmich to be Barcelona’s top pivot target

Barcelona are expected to have a very busy summer transfer window, and plans are already being for possible incomings. Their priority is to sign a top-level pivot, which is an area that they have massively struggled in this season.

The likes of Martin Zubimendi and Amadou Onana have been linked over the last few weeks, but one name has stuck out above the rest: Joshua Kimmich. The 29-year-old has been identified as Xavi Hernandez’s top target for the summer, and given that he has not committed his future to Bayern Munich beyond 2025, there is a chance that a deal can be done.

Barcelona are prepared to go all-in on Kimmich, as the likes of Joan Laporta and Deco prepare to try their best to appease Xavi, who revealed last week that he has decided to stay on as head coach until the end of next season, having previously announced in January that he would be stepping down this summer.

However, it would not be the wisest decision for Barcelona to follow Xavi’s wishes on Kimmich. Simply put, he’s not what they need. They are crying out for a “6”, a position that they do not have (aside from Oriol Romeu), and Bayern fans will tell you that the German international does not operate in that role.

Kimmich has been playing as a right-back in recent months under Thomas Tuchel, but even when he plays in midfield, he operates in a double pivot. His defensive capabilities and dominance is not enough to play as a lone defensive midfielder, which is what he would be tasked with at Barcelona.

It speaks volumes that Bayern have been desperately trying to sign a “6”, someone to play alongside Kimmich, for the last 12 months. They tried to acquire Joao Palhinha from Fulham last summer, before running out of time to complete the deal. The Bundesliga giants are aware that Kimmich is not a 6, and yet, Barcelona and Xavi appear to have not worked that out.

In terms of alternatives, Zubimendi fits Barcelona’s needs much more, although it would be unlikely that he is signed because of Real Sociedad asking for his €60m release clause, which they cannot afford as a one-off payment. However, if there’s even a chance that they can, they need to drop their interest in Kimmich and go for him instead.

It remains to be seen whether Kimmich is pursued by Barcelona, although it does appear that this will be the case. For now, the matter does remain open.