June 15, (THEWILL) – Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign South Korean defender, Kim Min-Jae, from Serie A champions, Napoli.
Talks are currently underway between the German club and the player’s representatives regarding a potential deal. Kim’s reputation as a top-class centre-back was solidified during Napoli’s triumphant Serie A campaign in 2022/2023. Having contributed significantly to Napoli’s Scudetto victory, Kim was also recognised as Serie A’s Best Defender, a title previously held by esteemed players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Stefen de Vrij, Cristian Romero, and Gleison Bremer.
Recently, Kim declined a contract extension offer from Napoli, which included a substantial pay increase but would have removed his release clause—a condition he prefers to maintain. Kim’s release clause stipulates that he can leave Napoli if a €50m upfront offer is made during the first two weeks of July. Manchester United have shown interest in the 26-year-old, but Bavarian side Bayern Munich have now joined the competition for his signature.
While Kim’s representatives were optimistic about finalising a deal with Manchester United, Bayern Munich has expressed their readiness to activate the release clause once it becomes active in just over two weeks. Negotiations for the transfer are currently ongoing with the player’s camp.
Aside from Man Utd and Bayern, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain have been closely monitoring Kim’s situation. The defender is currently fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea and is anticipated to return to Europe in July, at which point he could potentially be on his way to a new club.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
