Juventus open talks with Bayern Munich's Min-jae Kim over summer transfer
Juventus have initiated talks over a potential summer move for Bayern Munich defender Min-jae Kim, according to reports from Italy. The Gazzetta dello Sport states that the Serie A club has made contact regarding the South Korean international, with Bayern believed to be demanding a fee of at least €30 million for the centre-back.
The move is understood to be driven by Kim's search for more consistent playing time. Since joining Bayern from Napoli for €50 million in 2023, the 27-year-old has found himself behind the established pairing of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the pecking order under manager Thomas Tuchel. Kim has made 31 appearances across all competitions this season, but many of those have come from the substitutes' bench or in rotation.
For Juventus, the pursuit aligns with their need to refresh an ageing defensive line. Veteran stalwarts like Leonardo Bonucci have departed in recent seasons, and the club is looking to build a long-term partnership around young talent. Kim's proven track record in Serie A is a significant factor in their interest. He was a pivotal figure in Napoli's Scudetto-winning campaign in 2022/23, forming one of Europe's most formidable defences under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti.
That connection to Spalletti, who is now the head coach of Juventus, adds a compelling layer to the potential transfer. The coach's system, which demands intelligent, ball-playing defenders comfortable in a high line, is one in which Kim previously excelled. A reunion in Turin could offer the player a familiar environment to rediscover his best form.
From Bayern Munich's perspective, a sale at the reported figure would represent a significant financial loss on their initial investment. However, with Kim under contract until 2028, the German champions are in a position to negotiate. Offloading a high-earning squad player who is not a regular starter could free up funds for their own summer rebuild, particularly if they seek to reinforce other areas of the pitch.
The proposed deal indicates a continued trend of high-profile movement between Europe's elite leagues. Should the transfer be completed, it would see one of Serie A's former standout performers return to the league, bolstering Juventus's defensive options while providing Kim with the platform for a fresh start.
