Bayern Munich sign Kim-Min jae from Napoli after paying his €50 million release clause. The South Korean defender will sign a five-year contract.
Kim was also heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but Bayern swooped in quickly and signed him. The 26-year-old is considered one of the finest central defenders in the game today.
Moreover, he helped Napoli win the Serie A title in 2022-23. United were interested in signing him, but after David de Gea left the club, they were after Andre Onana. The Prem giants also need a striker and they will go all in for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
What Kim said after signing for Bayern
Kim said, “FC Bayern is a dream for every footballer. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come in Munich. It’s a new beginning for me. I’ll continue to develop here.
“In discussions with the club, it was made clear to me from the start how interested they are in me. My first goal is to play a lot of games. In addition, I want to win as many trophies as possible.”
Kim was playing in South Korea until 2019, but two years later, he joined Fenerbahce for a fee of €3 million. His successful stint in Turkey earned him an €18 million move to Napoli.
After having a brilliant World Cup and helping Napoli in winning the Scudetto, the defender is joining Bayern after a 12 month stint with Serie A giants.
Bayern Munich sign Kim-Min jae to replace Lucas Hernandez
Kim will replace Lucas Hernandez, who joined Paris Saint-Germain for a similar fee earlier this month. Kim will now compete with Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano for a starting spot.
The former Napoli star’s arrival will provide Thomas Tuchel with another good option at centre-back.
Tuchel will get a chance to test Kim in the pre-season matches against Manchester City, Kawasaki, Liverpool, and Monaco before meeting RB Leipzig in the German Supercup final.
