In a documentary broadcast by ZDF, Joshua Kimmich, 31, the Bayern Munich midfielder, discussed Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in him in the summer of 2024. The German international confirmed a very concrete approach from Paris, with Luis Campos and Luis Enrique directly involved.
Kimmich: “I was 95% sure I wouldn’t extend my contract.”
“The club’s support wasn’t what I had hoped for or wanted. I felt that Bayern was quite willing to let me leave (in the summer of 2024). This doesn’t exactly strengthen the bond between the club and the player. I spoke with Max Eberl. He confirmed it to me once again: ‘If you want to leave, then you’re on the market, it’s possible.’ At that point, I didn’t know what it would take for me to extend my contract. I was 95% sure I wouldn’t extend.”
This first part lends credence to a rumor that had long been circulating but never fully confirmed publicly. Kimmich isn’t just talking about outside interest; he’s primarily explaining that his relationship with Bayern Munich had become strained. For Paris Saint-Germain, this period of uncertainty represented exactly the kind of opportunity to watch for in an experienced player capable of bringing composure, leadership, and a top-level understanding of the game.”
Kimmich: “Paris showed me a strong commitment”
“Paris was a club that showed me a strong commitment. A commitment I wasn’t even really expecting. I spoke with the sporting director (Luis Campos) and the coach (Luis Enrique). I have to say they did an excellent job and gave me the impression that they really wanted me, so naturally, you start to think about it. It really made me think. I was supposed to be an important piece of the puzzle there, as a slightly more experienced player. And that inevitably has an effect on you.”
This is the most concrete part for PSG. Kimmich directly mentions Luis Campos and Luis Enrique, which gives the matter another dimension. It’s no longer just a simple transfer rumor or a distant interest: Paris had constructed a real sporting narrative. The club clearly wanted to establish him as an important part of the project, in a squad where his experience would have been a significant asset.
Kimmich: “The financial aspect was incredible”
“Paris made me an offer. The financial aspect was incredible. Really. Very, very incredible, I have to say. But I didn’t want that to be the deciding factor. It’s not like I’m single and I only have to make decisions for myself and my career. I also have a responsibility to make decisions for my family and to do what’s right.”
The financial aspect confirms that Paris Saint-Germain was prepared to go the extra mile. But Kimmich also emphasizes a crucial point: his decision wasn’t solely based on the proposed contract. For Paris, this situation serves as a reminder that a transfer offensive can be solid, coherent, and ambitious without necessarily being successful. For this type of player, family stability, status at Bayern, and regained confidence carry as much weight as the offer itself.
