Feel-good oasis FC Bayern: top earner Kim not thinking of leaving | OneFootball

While rumors about a possible departure of Minjae Kim are growing, the central defender himself does not seem to have any intention of moving. According to BILD, the South Korean wants to continue wearing the FC Bayern jersey in the coming season

In recent days , Kim has repeatedly been linked with a move to Juventus Turin. There has also been speculation recently from Turkey about potential suitors. The team at Säbener Straße would apparently not be fundamentally averse to a sale. Chief Sports Officer Max Eberl and Sports Director Christoph Freund are said to be open to talks if a suitable offer is made

From the player’s point of view, however, the situation is different

Kim still sees good prospects at FC Bayern

Although the 29-year-old is currently only considered the number three central defender behind Dayot Upamecano and new signing Jonathan Tah, Kim feels at home in Munich. The numbers certainly speak in his favor: the South Korean played 37 competitive matches last season and amassed more than 2,000 minutes of action

According to BILD, Kim is convinced that he will continue to get enough playing time in the future, especially in a season with the World Cup, Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB Cup, the defender is again expecting many rotations and personnel absences

In addition, there is the sporting perspective: hardly any other club offers as good a chance of winning titles as FC Bayern. This is precisely what will be a decisive factor for Kim

Kompany and the team atmosphere play an important role

photo: Getty Images

The working environment under Vincent Kompany apparently also contributes to Kim not pushing for a transfer

The South Korean is regarded internally as extremely professional and loyal. Despite his reserve role, he is said to have never caused any unrest in the dressing room. Together with Leon Goretzka, Kim was even highlighted several times last season as a positive example of the role of a rotation player

The international has also settled into life in Munich in the meantime. The overall package of sporting prospects, environment and an estimated annual salary of around €17 million makes a transfer less attractive at present, but a transfer would still be interesting from a club perspective

Munich transferred around €50 million to SSC Napoli for Kim in 2023, and a transfer fee of more than €30 million would allow Bayern to recoup a significant portion of their investment while saving one of the highest salaries in the squad

Additional income would be welcome, especially in view of the austerity course that the supervisory board has set for those responsible

In sporting terms, however, there is also a strong case for him to stay. Kompany would retain an experienced alternative in central defense. In addition, the record champions‘ tour of Asia to South Korea and Hong Kong is scheduled for the beginning of August, during which Kim is likely to play a central role in marketing as a national hero and crowd-puller

Despite all the speculation, there are currently many indications that Minjae Kim will continue to play for FC Bayern in the coming season.