FC Bayern is exploring potential reinforcements for its central defense. The Munich club has apparently set its sights on two interesting candidates: Tomás Araújo and Finn Jeltsch. Both defenders are reportedly on the German record champion’s transfer list. A possible departure by Minjae Kim could further accelerate the team’s roster planning.
The center-back position remains a key area of focus for FC Bayern in its long-term roster planning. Although the Munich club has several experienced defenders—including Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, and Minjae Kim—club officials are already exploring potential alternatives for the future.
Two comparatively young center backs, who have made a name for themselves with their performances in recent years, appear to be of particular interest. In addition to the Portuguese player Tomás Araújo, the German youth player Finn Jeltsch is also on Bayern’s radar.
As BILD’s soccer editor-in-chief Christian Falk reported on the “Bayern Insider” podcast, the Munich club has already compiled a list of candidates. However, no concrete negotiations or upcoming transfers have been confirmed.
Araújo and Jeltsch are on Bayern’s shortlist
In a conversation with his colleague Heiko Niedderer, Falk made it clear that Bayern officials are already actively exploring potential replacements for the current center-back pairing.
The players in question are Tomás Araújo of Benfica Lisbon and Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart. Given their age and potential for development, both players generally fit the Munich club’s requirements.
According to Niedderer, it’s no coincidence that Bayern has set its sights on these two players in particular. He explains that Bayern intends to increasingly focus on players with development potential who have already proven their caliber but are not yet established international stars.
It remains to be seen whether Araújo or Jeltsch will actually become concrete transfer targets next summer. At the very least, both names are apparently on the record champion’s internal list.
Kim’s departure could shake up Bayern’s plans
Minjae Kim could play a decisive role in the potential signing of a new center back. The South Korean has recently regained a regular spot in Vincent Kompany’s lineup, yet his future in Munich remains uncertain.
According to information from Falk, Juventus Turin, Galatasaray, and Besiktas have already inquired about the 29-year-old. Bayern would like to discuss Kim’s future prospects with him.
A transfer could give Bayern the financial flexibility to sign a younger defender. This is exactly where Araújo and Jeltsch could come into play.