Back in 2019 already, Xavi made it clear that Joshua Kimmich would be a perfect signing for Barcelona.
"I spoke to Pep Guardiola, my ex-coach from Barcelona, about him. Pep said: 'I have a player in the team who can play in every position!' I asked, 'Who is the boy?' He told me something about a man named 'Kimmitsch', whom I honestly had never heard of before," Xavi told Joshua at a training camp.
"Since that day, when I talked to Pep, I have followed your [Kimmich's] career. After all, Pep says that for a reason. I knew right away, when I saw you playing, that you could become a great player. And that's you today!
"Joshua is the present and future of FC Bayern and the German national team. And you really can play in any position."
"In my career, I have always kept my eyes open to find players who would suit Barca well. As previously with Philipp Lahm, Joshua Kimmich could without any problems play at Barcelona. That would fit well. But Bayern Munich play on the same level as Barca, and you can achieve a lot there.
"I thought before I met Joshua that he wanted to be a defender. But he already told me that he has another big wish. Joshua can play perfectly in midfield as a number six.
"Definitely [he can be the next Xavi]. He can make the difference. He can be one of the best players in world football in several positions, maybe he already is. That distinguishes him from me: I could play in one position, he is versatile."
4 years later, Barca are being linked with Joshua Kimmich as Sergio Busquets' possible successor.
The player is said to be considering his Bayern Munich exit. Barcelona might land the 28-year-old for a relatively modest fee – the same way they signed Robert Lewandowski last summer.
