Kim Min-jae (28, Bayern Munich) is once again at the center of transfer rumors. With the European summer transfer window opening, big clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Barcelona, and Galatasaray have shown interest in acquiring him.
Sport France reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Luis Campos, the Director General of PSG, has placed Kim Min-jae on the list of key transfer targets" and that "this week, he met directly with Kim Min-jae's agent in Paris to confirm the transfer fee and the player's intentions." Although PSG has not yet made an official offer to Bayern Munich, analysis suggests that the possibility of acquiring Kim Min-jae is increasing as PSG focuses on strengthening its defense.
Sport France noted that "Bayern Munich does not prevent Kim Min-jae's transfer itself. However, it is demanding a high transfer fee of €50 million (approximately 80.8 billion won)," mentioning the possibility of difficult negotiations.
PSG already possesses top-level center-backs, including Marquinhos, Lucas Veríssimo, and Willian Pacho, but is planning to further strengthen its defense after winning the UEFA Champions League (UCL).
Barcelona is also actively pursuing Kim Min-jae’s transfer. TZ reported on the 11th that "Barcelona contacted Bayern Munich regarding the acquisition of both Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano."
Dekou, the Barcelona sports director, highly regards Kim Min-jae's build-up skills, tackling, and defensive concentration, noting that he fits well with head coach Hansi Flick's high-line tactics.
Galatasaray, the champions of Turkey, has also entered the race to acquire Kim Min-jae. TZ reported on the 13th that "Galatasaray submitted an official offer to acquire Kim Min-jae. It is in the form of a one-year loan, but the details regarding a permanent transfer option remain unclear."
Last season, Kim Min-jae participated in 43 matches, but has been plagued by frequent injuries and controversies over overwork. Pain in his Achilles tendon has been consistently reported, and issues with a ganglion cyst in his left ankle have further undermined his condition. In particular, as key defenders such as Hiroki Ito and Alfonso Davies withdrew late in the season, there have been criticisms that coach Vincent Kompany continued to overuse Kim Min-jae.
Ultimately, he did not play in any matches until the group stage and quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. Jonathan Tah, who filled his absence, established himself as a starter, while Bayern Munich was eliminated in the quarter-finals after losing 0-2 to PSG.
Then the situation changed rapidly. After Bayern Munich acquired Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, Kim Min-jae's position has become even more precarious. According to German football statistics media Transfermarkt, Kim Min-jae was not included in Bayern's projected best eleven for the 2025-2026 season, with Tah taking his place as the left-center-back in the back four. It is expected that Alfonso Davies, Tah, Upamecano, and Josip Stanisic will form the starting defensive line.
Whether Kim Min-jae will remain at Bayern Munich or start a new challenge with PSG, Barcelona, or in Turkey has emerged as the biggest topic of interest for the summer transfer window.
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