Kim Min-jae is under serious transfer scrutiny as Manchester United and Juventus explore a summer move for the 29-year-old Bayern Munich centre-back. The South Korean international, who made 19 Bundesliga starts and eight Champions League appearances in the 2025-26 season, is no longer a guaranteed starter at the Allianz Arena.
What happened to Kim Min-jae’s playing time?
Kim Min-jae’s role at Bayern Munich has diminished since the arrival of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah. He started only three of his eight Champions League outings and came off the bench six times in the Bundesliga. The 29-year-old remains under contract until 2028 but has been relegated to a dependable squad option under the current coaching staff.
Why do Man Utd and Juventus want him?
Manchester United are actively seeking central defensive reinforcements after securing Ederson from Atalanta. Christian Falk, a journalist for CFBayern Insider, confirmed United’s interest and added that Juventus are ahead in negotiations. Both clubs see Min-jae as a proven, physically dominant defender who can step in immediately without needing a long adaptation period.
Is Kim Min-jae open to leaving Bayern?
No. Despite the speculation, Kim Min-jae is reportedly content in Munich and has not pushed for a transfer. He values his role within the squad and remains committed to contributing, even if it means limited minutes. Bayern, however, are open to offers between £26m and £34.5m, especially if the 2026 World Cup boosts his market value.
What comes next for Kim Min-jae?
Juventus appear to be the most advanced suitor, with talks reportedly more developed than those with Manchester United. If the Italian giants fail to reach an agreement, United’s interest could intensify. Bayern will not force a sale but are prepared to act if a bid meets their valuation. Min-jae’s next move hinges on whether Juventus finalize a deal before the window closes.