-Credit: (Image: Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

Liverpool will closely monitor developments with Joshua Kimmich. Both he and Bayern Munich are now considering a summer departure.

Kimmich’s current deal expires next summer, and he would be willing to run it out and depart for free. Bayern is eager to avoid that scenario, and has expressed a willingness to trade him if a decent offer comes in, according to Sky Germany.

It’s one to keep an eye on for Liverpool, as Arne Slot may still decide he wants a specialist in the holding midfield position. Since Fabinho’s departure, the Reds haven’t really had one, missing out on Moises Caicedo, signing Wataru Endo as a stopgap, and largely using Alexis MacAllister as a sort of temporary option.Kimmich, of course, is a seasoned operator in that position, and he also has much experience at right-back. In that respect, he would allow Slot to do almost anything with Trent Alexander-Arnold, gaining another world-class alternative capable of playing the hybrid role.

At 29, the German would be an unusual addition for Liverpool, especially with Michael Edwards back in the fold. However, Plettenberg has revealed that the Reds are still in the running for Kimmich’s signing, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Arsenal.

That’s a tough competition, and Liverpool would have to make a significant salary commitment, as Kimmich is one of Bayern Munich’s highest-paid players. His salaries would also put him in that category at Anfield.

Interested parties should contact Kimmich directly. He currently lacks a formal agent.

Joshua Kimmich might have played his last game for Bayern Munich. -Credit:Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

Liverpool.com says: It’s fascinating that Sky Germany feels Liverpool is still in contention. Certainly, this is hardly the type of deal that many would anticipate to usher in an age in which Edwards has been given more power.

However, there is a plausible reason for making an exception to the typical transfer procedures. If Liverpool assesses the market for holding midfielders and concludes that there is no one available who can truly take the team to the next level, Kimmich could almost act as the luxury Endo, providing a world-class stopgap until the Reds are ready to make a more long-term move.

Given the expected wage commitment, it’s difficult to see Liverpool competing for this one, even with a relatively low transfer price. To compete on the pitch against the other teams vying for his signing, the Reds must ultimately do things differently, continually looking ahead and discovering new potential.