Liverpool Still in the Race to Sign £43m Bayern Munich Star after Journalist’s Update | OneFootball

Liverpool Tracking Kim Min-jae as Defensive Dominoes Threaten to Fall

Liverpool’s gaze towards the Bundesliga may not be over just yet this summer. According to Christian Falk in The Daily Briefing, Bayern Munich are open to selling Kim Min-jae, though no formal offer has yet been submitted and the club has made “no decision yet made” on the defender’s future. That presents Liverpool with a potential opening — but only if there is significant movement in their own defensive ranks.

The 27-year-old centre-back joined Bayern for around £43 million in 2023, following a stunning season with Napoli that saw him emerge as one of Europe’s standout defenders. While the South Korean hasn’t fully cemented a starting place at the Allianz Arena, his robust style and comfort in one-on-one duels make him a strong fit for Premier League football.

Saudi Arabian sides have shown interest, but Falk claims that both Liverpool and Manchester United are “rumoured to be interested” in the player, who is reportedly “still waiting to see whether Liverpool… become concrete”.

Photo: IMAGO

Centre-back Situation Could Force Liverpool’s Hand

The decision to move for Kim Min-jae will likely hinge on departures. Liverpool’s defensive depth is at a crossroads. Jarell Quansah has admirers at Bayer Leverkusen, and Joe Gomez — now a Premier League title-winner under Arne Slot — may seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Then there’s Ibrahima Konaté, who is entering the final 12 months of his current deal and is believed to be asking for a 40% wage increase. The club’s willingness to meet those demands remains unclear, raising doubts about his long-term future at Anfield.

That uncertainty clouds what would otherwise be a straightforward decision. In Kim Min-jae, Liverpool would be acquiring a proven, aggressive defender with Champions League and Serie A pedigree, and someone who could seamlessly adapt to Slot’s pressing system.

Familiar Market, Familiar Approach

Liverpool’s Bundesliga exploits this window have already been significant. The club moved quickly for Jeremie Frimpong and are on the brink of confirming a British-record transfer for Florian Wirtz. That signals trust in the German market, both in terms of value and footballing philosophy.

Adding Kim Min-jae to that list would continue a trend of tapping into Bundesliga intelligence, particularly in a summer where defensive clarity is urgently needed. Should Quansah, Gomez or Konaté leave, a swift move for Kim would represent forward planning rather than reactive business.

Photo: IMAGO

Kim’s Patience Reflects Liverpool’s Calculated Approach

Liverpool are not a club to dive in hastily. The club’s reluctance to move before understanding the full picture of their outgoings is entirely consistent with the modern recruitment approach — calculated, data-driven and measured.

As Falk reports, the South Korean is “still waiting” to see what Liverpool do. If the club do decide to cash in on one of their current centre-backs, they could do far worse than a defender who was named Serie A’s best in 2022–23. A move is far from confirmed, but the groundwork appears to be quietly laid.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This one feels like a classic case of Liverpool playing the long game — and it might just pay off again. There’s no doubt Kim Min-jae is a top-class defender. Anyone who watched him at Napoli knows he’s dominant in the air, quick across the ground and fearless in the challenge. All the hallmarks of a proper Premier League centre-half.

But the truth is, it’s getting crowded at the back. Quansah has had a breakout season, Gomez has been a utility hero, and Konaté, when fit, is genuinely elite. Yet, none of those situations feel nailed down. One big offer from Saudi for Gomez or a stand-off with Konaté over wages, and suddenly we need someone ready to step in.

Kim feels like a smart insurance policy — experienced, relatively affordable and available. It’s also encouraging that we’re looking at Bundesliga players who fit Arne Slot’s style. The Frimpong and Wirtz moves show we’re aligning recruitment with modern tactical demands.

If there’s one lesson from last summer’s midfield rebuild, it’s that the club will act when the time is right. If Kim joins, fans should see it not as panic buying but strategic squad evolution.