Barça is eager to beat Bayern Munich, so are the blaugrana fans. Tonight, however, a German player will be the center of attention in Montjuïc.
This is Joshua Kimmich, the German international to whom Pep Guardiola gave a chance at Bayern. Kimmich's name has been linked with Barça over the last two summers.
Kimmich will be the Star of Tonight's Barça-Bayern Game
The deal was never completed, mainly due to the difficulties Barça had in complying with Financial Fair Play and, therefore, in registering him.
Kimmich's contract with Bayern expires on June 30. Neither side is interested in renewing it. This means that Kimmich could arrive at Camp Nou for free.
The contacts go back a long way. Kimmich is delighted at the prospect of working under Flick once again and being teammates with his friend Lewandowski.
In fact, Kimmich is only waiting for Deco to confirm that his transfer is possible. In order for that to happen, Araújo must first be sold for 80 million euros. This exit would allow Kimmich to enter at zero cost.
Deco Tried Last Summer, but Couldn't Register him.
Last summer, Deco had already reached an agreement with him, but it was always subject to FC Barcelona being able to register him. The same was the case with Nico Williams and it didn't happen.
Deco asked for time, which Kimmich had. His contract with Bayern expired on June 30 and he could wait.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have also contacted him to express their interest in his situation. Kimmich hasn't committed to anyone because he's waiting for a call from Deco.
In case there were any doubts, his presence in Barcelona to face Barça has been good to make clear his affinity with FC Barcelona.
Upon his arrival in Barcelona he said about tonight's match: "It's a special moment. We've played against them several times in recent years and it's nice to meet Hansi again."
Kimmich ► SPIT IN MY FACE • Skills & Goals | HD
About his name always being linked to Barça, he said: "Playing against Barça is always something very special. I know that people have talked about me several times, but it's not any more special for that. It's an important club with a very successful tradition."
"I Don't Rule Out Signing for Barça"
And he has admitted the impact that Guardiola's Barça had on him. "That Barça left its mark on me, and so did the Spanish national team. They won three major tournaments."
He also referred to Xavi Hernández, the first Barça coach who tried to sign him: "He was my idol when I was little, I loved watching his games and when Pep was the coach. It was a small revolution to see how they dominated their rivals ."
Finally, he made it clear that he is keeping the door open to Barça awaiting Deco's call: "In soccer you can never rule anything out. To answer directly, I'm not thinking about that right now. But you can't rule anything out."
His transfer should not be ruled out. Pedri would be delighted with his arrival to form with him the double pivot that Flick dreams of. Pedri and Kimmich speak the same language.
This is how Kimmich plays
Kimmich ► SPIT IN MY FACE • Skills & Goals | HD