Joshua Kimmich says Bayern München told him a move away was possible, Paris Saint Germain pushed hard, and the money on offer was "very, very crazy" before he signed a new deal until 2029 in March 2025. The story is less about a transfer that happened than a transfer that got far enough to matter.

How PSG got Kimmich's attention

Kimmich's account is blunt. "I talked to Max Eberl. He then confirmed it to me again: 'If you want to go, then you are for sale, then that is possible,'" he said.

That is the first important part of the story. Bayern were open to the idea, even if they did not force him out. From there, PSG emerged as the most serious suitor. Kimmich said, "With Paris, there was a club that was very committed. One that I didn't even have on my radar like that."

The pitch went beyond ordinary phone calls. Luis Campos visited Kimmich's private home to sell the PSG project, and Kimmich said, "They really did a good job and gave me the impression that they really wanted me. That really caught my attention."

He also admitted the offer was hard to ignore. "The financial side was crazy. Really. Very, very crazy, I have to say," he said.

Why Bayern still won the fight

The most striking detail is how uncertain Kimmich felt at the time. He said, "As of now, I don't know what should happen for me to renew here. I see it as 95 percent unlikely that I will renew here."

That makes the March 2025 extension until 2029 feel like a real swing rather than a formality. It is also easier to understand once Bayern's season is put next to it. They won 28 of 34 Bundesliga matches, finished first on 89 points, and ended with a +86 goal difference. Their last five league results were WWDWW.

Kimmich's later verdict was simple enough: "It was right that I extended my contract with Bayern." That sounds less like hindsight dressing and more like a player who weighed the offer, saw how strong Bayern still were, and chose the safer footballing home.

The remaining question is not whether PSG tried. They clearly did. It is how close they were to turning that pressure into a deal before Bayern kept Kimmich in Munich and tied him down through 2029.

FAQ

How close was Joshua Kimmich to joining PSG?

Kimmich says Bayern told him he was for sale, PSG pushed hard, and the financial side was "very, very crazy." He also said he did not even have PSG on his radar like that before their approach. In the end, he stayed and signed a contract extension until 2029 in March 2025.

Why did Joshua Kimmich stay at Bayern instead of leaving for PSG?

Kimmich said PSG made a strong impression and Bayern had told him a departure was possible, but he later concluded, "It was right that I extended my contract with Bayern." The decision was eventually settled by his March 2025 extension until 2029.

What did PSG do to try to sign Joshua Kimmich?

Kimmich said PSG were very committed and that Luis Campos visited his private home to pitch the project. He described the financial offer as "very, very crazy" and said PSG gave him the impression that they really wanted him.

Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →