Bayern Munich chairman says Kimmich will be Lahm's successor

Bayern Munich chairman Karlheinz Rummingge has said that Joshua Kimmich, a reported transfer target of Manchester City, will be Philipp Lahm's successor as the Bavarian football club's right-back, although he has not earned any minutes so far this season.

Lahm will conclude his career at Bayern by the end of this season, just like Xabi Alonso who announced his retirement recently, while Kimmich; a multi-functional player, can play both in midfield or as a right-back, reports Efe.

However, Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not count on the 22-year-old talent when Xabi or Lahm were out. Kimmich's displeasure sparked rumors in England that Spanish coach Pep Guardiola would take advantage of the situation to lure the German player to join Manchester City.

"We have big plans for him in the future... He will be, quite literally, our successor to Philipp Lahm. From next season, he'll get more and more minutes. That's Carlo Ancelotti's plan, at least," Efe quoted Rummingge as saying to Sky Sport German station on Tuesday.

During last season when Guardiola was still at Bayern's helm, Kimmich played regularly in center, when Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng were out due to injury.

--IANS

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