Several clubs are interested in Minjae Kim. But before a possible sale, Bayern must determine just how solid its own defensive plans actually are.
Minjae Kim is in demand again. According to information from the BILD podcast “Bayern Insider,” Juventus, Galatasaray, and Besiktas have inquired about the center back. For FC Bayern, this could present an opportunity to collect a transfer fee and rejuvenate the defense. However, a decision regarding Kim must not be made in isolation.
After all, the question isn’t just what price a potential buyer would pay. It’s also: What defensive options would Bayern still have available after a possible sale? Ironically, long-term planning for Dayot Upamecano —currently the team’s most important center-back—remains uncertain despite his contract extension.
Club officials first want to speak with Kim about his future. That’s the right approach. His recent performances must be taken into account just as much as financial considerations. A player doesn’t become expendable simply because other clubs are showing interest.
Upamecano’s future will influence the decision regarding Kim
Although Upamecano is under contract through 2030, reports of a possible buyout clause of around 65 million euros in the summer of 2027 have so far neither been confirmed nor denied. While on duty with the French national team, the defender recently mentioned how happy he is in Munich, but left his future open-ended. That wasn’t, however, a genuine commitment to FC Bayern.
It would be wrong to infer an imminent departure from this. Nevertheless, Bayern cannot ignore the uncertainty. Upamecano’s response makes it clear that a long-term contract does not necessarily settle his athletic future once and for all.
A sale of Kim would be easier to absorb if Bayern could count on defensive leader Upamecano staying. If, on the other hand, both players were to leave within a single summer, the club would have to replace far more than just a rotation player.
Jonathan Tah also fits into this assessment. The national team player competes with Kim for playing time, while FC Barcelona is reportedly showing interest in him. There’s no indication that Tah wants to leave, and Munich continues to plan with him. Nevertheless, this situation highlights how important it is to clarify the prospects for all three established center-backs in a timely manner.
The list of candidates, including Tomás Araújo and Finn Jeltsch, is therefore a sensible precaution. However, it is no guarantee that a potential departure could be offset without a loss of quality. Both would first have to be signed and then prove themselves within the Munich system.
Kim is already familiar with the high demands at Bayern. His performance in the victory in Madrid was an example of the value a well-coordinated alternative brings at the highest level. In a long season, Bayern needs more than just a strong starting duo.
A younger successor could still be the right decision in the long run. For that to happen, the transfer fee, development potential, and athletic prospects must align. Above all, however, it must be clear which framework will remain in the center of the defense.
Bayern should therefore first ensure planning certainty regarding Upamecano and discuss the roles with Kim and Tah. Only then can a serious assessment be made as to whether selling Kim would improve the roster. An attractive sum would be of little benefit if the stability of the entire defense then had to be rebuilt from scratch.