Lightning farewell in winter? Chelsea inquire with Bayern star Minjae Kim | OneFootball

There is still a big question mark over Minjae Kim’s sporting future at FC Bayern, but it has now been revealed that there is a concrete interest in the South Korean

The interest from the Premier League is real. In the BILD podcast Bayern Insider, Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl confirm a concrete inquiry from Chelsea FC for Minjae Kim – and explain why this development is strategically highly interesting for FC Bayern

Kim has stabilized in recent games and thus also underlined his market value. Despite his recent sending off in the Champions League, the South Korean is regarded internally as stable – and externally as a sought-after player. That’s true! Chelsea have enquired about Kim,“ emphasizes BILD head of soccer Falk

Bayern open – but not under pressure to sell

photo: IMAGO

A transfer in the winter is nevertheless unlikely, as Bayern do not want to weaken their small squad with departures in January

For FC Bayern, this situation is more comfortable than it seems at first glance. Falk makes it clear that there is no pressure to sell the centre-back. „If Minjae Kim says he wants to leave, they won’t put any obstacles in his way. If he says he’s staying, then you don’t have the problem,“ he explains

It is precisely this flexibility that gives the record champions room to manoeuvre. The inquiry from London shows one thing above all: „Kim has a market,“ emphasises Falk. And that is precisely what is important in a phase in which Bayern are fundamentally readjusting their defence. His current market value is €25 million. Bayern are hoping for a sum significantly higher than that in the event of a sale. After all, they themselves paid €50 million for the defender in the summer of 2023

It is no coincidence that Chelsea, of all clubs, are knocking on the door. The Premier League club has been linked with Kim for a long time and is in a financial position to pay a high transfer fee. For Bayern, a potential sale would therefore not only be relevant in sporting terms, but also economically. „Chelsea would have the money,“ says Falk – and this money could in turn be invested directly in new defensive solutions

Altschäffl speaks of a „luxury situation“ for FC Bayern. Depending on the outcome of the personnel decisions, those responsible could react flexibly and make targeted investments if necessary. „You can earn money and reinvest it,“ he adds

Appreciated in sporting terms – but the market is still there

Despite all the transfer considerations, Falk and Altschäffl do not lose sight of the sporting perspective. Altschäffl emphasizes that Kim has shown exactly why he is valuable to Bayern in recent weeks. „He needs a rhythm, but he is strong on the ball, he has a certain goal threat, he is fast,“ he lists

Kim has the ideal prerequisites for the Premier League in particular. „I trust him to deliver in England – with the physicality he has,“ says Altschäffl. At the same time, he emphasizes the player’s character. „He is a totally loyal player.“