FC Bayern is facing trend-setting decisions in central defense – but without a major shake-up. On the contrary: the Munich club is also relying on continuity, internal solutions and clear hierarchies here
The BILD podcast„Bayern Insider“ reveals how Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are planning the defense for the summer of 2026
The most important personnel in central defence is clearly defined from Bayern’s point of view: Dayot Upamecano. A contract extension for the Frenchman is regarded internally as the so-called „king transfer“. Christian Falk makes it clear in the podcast that an agreement is on the home straight and would have an enormous impact on the entire squad planning. „The king transfer would be the Upa – an internal transfer,“ says Falk
Together with Jonathan Tah, Upamecano would form the new defensive center. Tah has established himself as co-defender in a very short time and has built up a lot of credit internally. For the Bayern bosses, this axis is a clear argument against a major external addition. The reasoning behind this is logical: if you have two established central defenders at the top level, you don’t have to actively drive the market
Kim as a backup – and why alternatives are currently not a priority
Minjae Kim also continues to play an important role in the considerations of those responsible. After mixed phases, the South Korean has recently shown his qualities again. Falk praises him above all for his strong performance in the 3:1 win in Cologne: „That’s the Minjae we’ve always wanted.“ Kim himself currently sees no reason to leave, especially as he first wants to fully stabilize his body again
Rumours of a move to AC Milan, for example, were clearly put into perspective in the podcast. „Milan aren’t hot at the moment,“ Tobi Altschäffl makes it unmistakably clear. Kim is planned internally as the clear number three – a role that makes sense both in sporting and structural terms
External alternatives such as Nico Schlotterbeck remain on the list, but only become relevant if one of the central pillars breaks away. Altschäffl explains that Bayern is in contact with the consultant, but that a transfer is only realistic in exceptional cases. „If you have Upa and Tah, then you won’t be able to afford another player in this category,“ is the clear assessment.
