Jan Kirchhoff's future is as uncertain as ever

Just over a year ago, Bayern Munich announced the decision to send Jan Kirchhoff to Schalke 04 on an 18 month loan. It was generally accepted by everyone as a good move for Kirchhoff, and it justified Markopolo's belief that he was the "mole".

Kirchhoff wasn't playing at FC Bayern, and Pep Guardiola didn't seem to want to play him in the midfield or defense. A spot in the midfield was always an uphill battle for Kirchhoff, but Guardiola was playing Rafinha, Diego Contento, and Javi Martinez ahead of him in central defense.

Kicker is reporting that Schalke will have to pay a prearranged €6 million transfer fee if they want to make the loan permanent. They also have until December 31 to make this decision. Otherwise, the loan will end at the end of the current season. Bild says that Schalke will not be exercising this option, and Kirchhoff's loan will be finished in June.

We're a year into his loan, and while various injuries weren't the kindest to Kirchhoff, he never seemed to be preferred by Jens Keller. However, since Robert Di Matteo has joined Schalke, he has made eight of his nine appearances this season. Perhaps, Bild is mistaken, and Schalke will keep Kirchhoff in Gelsenkirchen.

If they don't, I have to imagine that Bayern will look to move Kirchhoff this summer. It's tough to imagine him ever wearing the FCB shirt again.