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Liverpool tipped for 'perfect' free transfer but may have to pay early for Man Utd target
Liverpool and Manchester United could be set to battle for what would be a blockbuster free transfer.
Liverpool have been told that they “have to” push for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich on a potential free transfer, but interest from the likes of Manchester United and City may complicate any potential deal. The German midfielder is out of contract at the end of next season and speculation is rife over his future.
Kimmich is yet to pen a contract extension and it is unlikely that Bayern would be willing to let the 28-year-old leave on a free transfer, prompting Premier League teams to question whether the Bundesliga champions will cash in on their star man while they can.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has described Kimmich as a “perfect” signing for Jurgen Klopp’s outfit and if he is willing to move to Anfield, the Reds need to make a big effort to bolster their midfield once again after buying Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in the summer.
"I think he would be absolutely perfect,” Johnson told GGRecon when asked about the prospect of Liverpool moving for the German midfielder. “He’s very experienced and has played at the very top level for the majority of his career. We hear about players being treated like a king at Bayern Munich, so it all depends on whether he’d be prepared to give that up and if he actually wants to leave.
"If he’s actually available on a free transfer, then of course the top clubs are going to be looking at him. He may want to move to the Premier League to see if he can be successful in the best league in the world. It’s all down to what he wants. If Liverpool has the chance to go for him, then they have to."
Spanish media suggest United also hold a strong interest in Kimmich, who has been touted as a potential replacement for Casemiro. But he may have already hinted that his wish would be to link up with Pep Guardiola once again with the Premier League champions.
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"All I knew about Pep was from what I had seen on TV,” Kimmich explained when discussing his former Bayern boss. “I was so nervous, but as he walked in, I felt it right away - that trust. And immediately I knew I wanted to play for Bayern.
"Pep spoke to me about my strengths and my weaknesses, and how he wanted to help me become a better player by learning a different style of play. 'I want you on this team,' he told me. That’s a moment I will never forget."
With United and perhaps City circling around Kimmich, Liverpool may not get the chance to land Johnson’s ideal free transfer in 2025 and instead could be forced to pay an early fee to prise him away from Bayern.