Min-jae Kim currently has to settle for a reserve role at FC Bayern. Nevertheless, the South Korean apparently has no plans to leave Munich—even though Manchester United, a prominent suitor, is closely monitoring his situation.
For now, the roles in the German record champions’ central defense are clearly defined. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah form Vincent Kompany’s preferred duo. Kim has to settle for a spot behind them and fight for playing time.
As BILD soccer editor Christian Falk reports, Manchester United still has the 29-year-old on its radar. The Red Devils are said to be continuously monitoring his situation at FC Bayern.
Kim himself, however, is currently showing no signs of wanting to leave Munich. “Min-jae Kim has made it very clear that he wants to stay at FC Bayern and is satisfied with his current role at the club,” Falk explained.
Kim wants to reclaim his starting spot
The South Korean national team player is aware that he is not currently a first-choice player. At the same time, Kim sees a good chance of changing the pecking order again as the season progresses.
“Although he’s not in the starting lineup right now, he has the chance to make it there if he plays well—and, of course, if there are any injuries,” Falk said.
He therefore has no desire to leave. Kim wants to wait and see for now and try to earn back a starting spot through his performances.
This attitude is quite convenient for Bayern. With the Bundesliga, DFB Cup, and Champions League, a long season lies ahead for the Munich team. Relying exclusively on Tah and Upamecano would involve considerable risks.
Kim could still prove important for Kompany
Especially given the team’s lofty international ambitions, Kompany needs depth in the squad. The Bayern coach has already made it unmistakably clear that winning the Champions League is the goal.
Kim brings a wealth of experience to the table and can step in without a significant drop in quality in the event of injuries or necessary rotations.
For this reason, too, a sale is unlikely to be a pressing issue for Munich at the moment. While Manchester United remains on the lookout, Kim himself seems to see his immediate future clearly in Munich.
For Kompany, this could prove to be a key factor: having a center back of Kim’s caliber as a backup is a real luxury, especially on the path to the coveted Champions League title.