Joan Laporta ignores signing Kimmich, Laporta changed the plan because of this surprise player

Joshua Kimmich is a top target for Hansi Flick as he aims to strengthen Barcelona’s squad for next season. This was one of his initial requests upon joining the club, but Bayern Munich has firmly declined to negotiate for one of their key players.

It appears that Kimmich has set his sights on a new adventure, considering a move away from the German league for the first time in his career. According to the Spanish newspaper *El Nacional*, he is reportedly demanding a substantial salary and high commissions, as he would join as a free agent.

However, Barcelona officials are wary of making such a significant investment, especially with strong competition from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, all vying for his signature. This situation has prompted Barcelona to reassess their pursuit of Kimmich and explore other options to bolster their midfield.

One potential alternative is Martín Zubimendi, a player Xavi Hernández has long admired. Despite receiving several offers last summer, Zubimendi remains with Real Sociedad. He is expected to be a sought-after player in the upcoming transfer market, with a release clause set at 60 million euros.

While Laporta believes Kimmich would be a fantastic addition, he also sees Zubimendi as a compelling “plan B,” given the midfielder’s youth at 25 and his familiarity with La Liga. Consequently, Zubimendi is viewed as a strong candidate to fill the role left by Sergio Busquets.