Kompany faces big Kimmich question at Bayern | OneFootball

Bayern Munich head into the 2025/26 campaign with one question lingering over an otherwise stable squad: who will partner Joshua Kimmich in central midfield? According to Bavarian Football Works, Kimmich is a nailed-on starter unless redeployed at right back due to emergency needs. The focus is firmly on the options available to new coach Vincent Kompany as he shapes the team’s midfield core.

Aleksandar Pavlović was widely tipped to step up as the preferred partner for Kimmich, yet his performances in the 2024/25 season fell short of expectations, reducing his impact after initial promise. Despite this dip, he is still considered the front-runner for the role, but must demonstrate tangible progress at the start of the season to solidify his place.

Competition is complex but not settled. Leon Goretzka remains in contention, seemingly having won Kompany’s confidence to a degree, though the coach has not shown similar belief in João Palhinha, who is currently on the periphery of first-team plans. Meanwhile, Konrad Laimer has the appetite to feature centrally but has been required more often at right back and has struggled to find rhythm in midfield since his arrival at the club.

Tom Bischof, another potential candidate, has yet to establish a clear role under Kompany. There are questions about whether Bayern’s technical staff has fully decided how to utilize his skill set or whether he will be integrated into the matchday squad with regularity.

The situation is further complicated by squad depth concerns and Bayern’s recent injury woes, most notably the long-term absence of Jamal Musiala. Club leadership, as highlighted in recent statements reported by Bavarian Football Works, has downplayed the likelihood of urgent recruitment in central positions, instead demonstrating faith in the current group’s ability to step up.

In short, the battle for the role next to Kimmich is outlined by uncertainty but also significant opportunity. Pavlović is likely to get the first shot at making the position his own, albeit under scrutiny following a season of limited progression. Goretzka’s experience and Laimer’s versatility mean both remain viable alternatives if Pavlović’s form does not rebound.

Kompany’s choices in the early weeks will offer telling signs about Bayern’s midfield identity for the season ahead, while the possibility remains that squad roles could shift further depending on the squad’s response to injuries and internal competition. The question of who partners Kimmich will remain a focal point for Bayern observers as the campaign kicks off.

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