Kimmich takes aim at Champions League after signing new Bayern deal till 2025

Stefan Bienkowski

• 23 Aug 2021 04:36 CDT
• 5 min read

Joshua Kimmich has committed his future to Bayern Munich by signing a new deal that will keep the midfielder at the Munich club until 2025.

Despite only being 26 years old, the German international has already played over 260 games for the Bavarian giants and has developed into one of Europe’s best midfielders.

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As such, the Bundesliga champions were determined to tie Kimmich down to a long-term contract, which should now discourage any rivals from trying to turn his head.

After Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, Kimmich is regarded as one of the most senior members of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad and is undoubtedly a shoe-in for the role of captain once the older players eventually retire or move on.

It was undoubtedly with that in mind that Kimmich put pen to paper over a new deal, as the midfielder now targets more trophies domestically and in Europe with Bayern over the coming years.

’Munich has become a second home’

"The most important reason for my contract extension is that here at Bayern I can pursue my passion with joy every day,” said the midfielder in a club statement.

“I have a team with which I can achieve everything, and on top of that, many of my teammates have become real friends.

“That's why I started playing football in the first place: Because it should be fun. I don't see myself at the end of my development yet and I'm convinced that a lot is possible at FC Bayern in the next few years.

“In addition, my family feels very comfortable here. Munich has become a second home. You don't find the combination we have here everywhere in the world."

Naturally, Bayern were quick to celebrate the news after a transfer window that has seen the club remain significantly limited by the financial strains of the pandemic.

"Joshua totally identifies with Bayern,” said club CEO Oliver Kahn. “He has recognised the value of playing for a club in the long term and being able to help shape many things, as well as being involved in great successes and an era.

“He knows that at Bayern he has the chance to realise all his ambitious goals. The package we can offer him is highly attractive for any top international player."