Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has reportedly turned down a contract offer from Barcelona.
The Catalan giants have long been linked with Kimmich, however a move for him last summer broke down due to their financial constraints.
However, the Spanish side have maintained their interest in Kimmich ahead of the transfer window but have now reportedly been met by a stumbling block in the deal.
According to SPORT, Kimmich has rejected a contract proposal from the Catalan side as they failed to meet his expectations.
The outlet claim that the German international currently earns around £17 million ($21m)-per year, which Barcelona cannot offer him.
The Catalan-based club will be paying Robert Lewandowski around £25m ($33m) next season, which limits the amount they can spend on other areas within the squad.
The stall in negotiations will likely frustrate a number of fans and staff in Barcelona – including incoming boss Hansi Flick, who is keen on making the midfielder his first signing.
Flick and Kimmich previously worked together during the coach’s tenure at both Bayern Munich and the German national side.
Kimmich’s current deal at Bayern is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season and, given their struggles this year, it’s likely he’ll push for an exit.
Though Flick’s arrival at the Nou Camp has not been confirmed yet, it is widely expected the German will take charge once current boss Xavi departs.
The former midfielder had made his intention to resign from his role clear earlier on in the season, before performing a dramatic U-turn and deciding to stay on.
However, last week, it was confirmed that he had been let go by club president Joan Laporta following a meeting with the 62-year-old after he had publicly criticised the club’s financial position.
After his final game in charge of Sunday, Xavi warned of the perils of being Blaugrana boss and talked up his achievements during his nearly three years in the role.
‘To the new manager, I tell you: You will suffer.’ He said after Barca’s 2-1 win over Sevilla. ‘This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.’
He added: ‘I think that our work has not been appreciated enough. I took over when the team was in ninth place, finished the season in second place, and won the league the next season.’
The highlight of Xavi’s tenure was undoubtedly their LaLiga triumph last season but they have been unable to build on that success this term.
