Talks underway: Juve eye Bayern benchwarmer for winter move | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, Minjae Kim currently plays a minor role – this has apparently caught the attention of Juventus Turin. The Italian top club wants to take advantage of the South Korean's situation.

Since the beginning of the season, Kim has barely moved beyond the role of a substitute player at the German record champions. Head coach Vincent Kompany has clearly opted for the combination of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the center of defense. A duo that impresses defensively – but has become a problem for Kim.

According to the Italian Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus Turin is seriously considering the potential signing of the 28-year-old central defender. The traditional Serie A club is apparently planning to strengthen during the winter transfer window – especially since regular player Bremer is currently out injured. According to the report, Kim is seen as the preferred solution for the "Old Lady" to stabilize the defense in the short term.

However, according to the report, Kim is not the only one on the Bianconeri's list. Milan Skriniar, who is currently under contract with Fenerbahce, is also a topic in Turin. Both players are well acquainted with Serie A: Skriniar played in Italy for seven years with Sampdoria Genoa and Inter Milan, while Kim won the Italian championship with SSC Napoli in 2022/23.

This past experience could help the South Korean in negotiations. Kim knows the league, the language, and the pace of Serie A – ideal conditions to immediately strengthen Juventus in the winter.

Bayern paid 50 million euros for Kim – contract until 2028

Photo: IMAGO

In the summer of 2023, Minjae Kim transferred from Napoli to FC Bayern for 50 million euros. At that time, the defender was considered one of the most sought-after players in Europe, partly because he impressed in Naples with his tackling strength and uncompromising positioning play.

In Munich, Kim has so far played 85 official matches, scored four goals, and assisted three others. Under Kompany, Kim has increasingly lost significance in recent months.

Despite his contract running until 2028, a transfer in the winter could be on the horizon if Kim continues to be sidelined. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus has already contacted the player's management. A loan deal with a purchase option is considered a conceivable scenario.

Whether FC Bayern agrees to a departure in the winter also depends on the personnel planning in the defense center, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. If there are injuries or shortages there, the Munich club is unlikely to be willing to let Kim go.

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