Aston Villa is currently making an intensive push to sign Joao Palhinha. But the Portuguese player is apparently not the only Bayern pro on the Europa League champion’s wish list. Minjae Kim has also caught the English club’s eye. The South Korean, however, has little interest in a transfer.
A deal between FC Bayern and Aston Villa could still materialize this transfer window. The English club is looking to strengthen its midfield and is actively pursuing Joao Palhinha. Talks regarding a transfer of the 31-year-old are already underway.
Apparently, though, the decision-makers in Birmingham aren’t just focusing on Munich’s midfield. The Premier League club also wants to strengthen its defense—and has set its sights on Minjae Kim.
As reported by the tz , Aston Villa first reached out to the 29-year-old’s agent several weeks ago. At the time, however, Kim made it clear that he wanted to focus entirely on the World Cup in North America for the time being.
Aston Villa isn’t giving up on Kim
After South Korea’s early exit from the World Cup, the center back returned to Munich relatively quickly and rejoined the German record champions’ preseason training early on.
However, that didn’t end Birmingham’s interest. According to the report, Aston Villa contacted the player’s camp again last week.
Notably, just a few days ago, the two clubs faced off directly as part of Bayern’s Asian tour. In Munich’s 2-1 friendly victory over the reigning Europa League champions, Kim even drew attention to himself by scoring a goal.
The English club’s interest, however, has not changed his stance regarding a possible transfer. Kim is reportedly currently opposed to a move to Aston Villa.
Nottingham Forest is also said to have recently made a tentative inquiry about the South Korean international. According to the report, the club led by coach Oliver Glasner also quickly received a rejection.
Bayern continues to plan with Kim
This situation differs significantly from that of Palhinha. While Bayern is actively seeking a permanent solution for the Portuguese player, a sale of Kim is not currently on the table.
Things looked different a year ago. In the summer of 2025, the center back was at times considered a candidate for a transfer. Since then, however, his situation at the German record champions has changed.
Kim has come to terms with his role and is expected to remain a key part of Munich’s defense next season as well. Although coach Vincent Kompany has a well-established center-back duo in Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano, he has an experienced alternative available in Kim.
As a result, FC Bayern apparently has little interest in letting the South Korean go this summer. Only an exceptionally lucrative offer might cause the club’s leadership to reconsider.
Aston Villa will likely have to focus on the other Bayern player instead. While there are currently many factors pointing toward Kim staying in Munich, Palhinha could indeed make the reverse move to Birmingham.