Premier League escape route: Will Bayern find a buyer for Kim in England? | OneFootball

FC Bayern may have to make a difficult personnel decision next summer. Center-back Min-jae Kim is still considered a possible candidate for sale—but a transfer to Serie A is complicated due to his high salary. Now, according to media reports, an alternative from the Premier League is emerging.

It has been clear for several weeks: The South Korean currently only plays a minor role in coach Vincent Kompany’s plans. Behind regular defenders Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, Kim is currently only the number three center-back. With Hiroki Ito’s imminent return, his situation is unlikely to improve.

While his sporting prospects remain uncertain, a sale in the winter is also unlikely. Most recently, BILD reported that Kim “still feels comfortable” at FC Bayern and is “fully committed to the team.”

High salary demands slow down Serie A clubs

The problem: a potential buyer is not easy to find. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Kim earns around eight to nine million euros per year at FC Bayern—a sum that interested Italian clubs can hardly afford.

Both Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus Turin are said to have the center-back on their radar, but have to pass due to financial constraints. Romano reports that while Serie A clubs continue to monitor the South Korean, they see “no realistic chance” of signing him as long as he commands this salary.

Kim moved from SSC Napoli to FC Bayern in the summer of 2023 for 50 million euros and was previously named the best defender in the league during his only Serie A season.

Premier League as a realistic way out

Photo: IMAGO

Now, a new solution seems to be emerging. According to the portal Flashscore, several top English clubs are looking into Kim’s situation. Reportedly, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in particular have set their sights on the Bayern professional. Liverpool FC is also said to be closely monitoring Kim’s development.

Unlike the Italian clubs, the English teams could easily cover Kim’s current salary. Additionally, the Premier League would be attractive for the 28-year-old both athletically and personally: a new environment, a high level of competition—and the chance to fight for a regular starting spot again.

A winter transfer, however, is out of the question. Neither FC Bayern nor Kim himself are planning a short-term separation. In the summer, however, the topic could heat up again—especially if Munich wants to strengthen their defense and make room in the squad.

Bayern satisfied—but open to offers

Despite his current role as a substitute, Kim’s standing at the club is by no means poor. According to BILD, those in charge value his professionalism and team-oriented attitude. The South Korean is considered reliable, unobtrusive, and loyal—a player who enjoys high regard internally.

At the same time, Bayern also knows: Should a lucrative offer arrive, a sale would be conceivable. A Premier League deal would ease the financial burden for Munich.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.