Kim Min-jae has agreed personal terms with Juventus, but a potential transfer hinges on negotiations with Bayern Munich over the defender’s valuation, according to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The South Korean international has reportedly given the green light to a move to the Turin club, who are seeking a replacement for Gleison Bremer should he depart this summer. Juventus view Kim as a key target to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new Serie A season.
Kim arrived at Bayern Munich from Napoli for a fee of €50 million in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a capable defender. However, he has fallen down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena, with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah preferred in central defence. This reduced role has prompted the 27-year-old to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The potential reunion with Luciano Spalletti is a significant factor in Kim’s willingness to join Juventus. The pair previously enjoyed a successful working relationship at Napoli, where Kim was a standout performer under the Italian manager’s guidance. Spalletti’s arrival at Juventus earlier this year is believed to have been a key draw for the player.
Bayern Munich are reportedly holding out for a fee of €40 million for Kim, a figure Juventus are hoping to reduce through negotiation. Transfermarkt currently estimates Kim’s market value at €20 million, suggesting a compromise may be necessary to complete the deal. The difference between Bayern’s asking price and the estimated market value represents the primary obstacle to the transfer.
Kim Min-jae has earned 51 caps for South Korea since his debut in 2017, becoming a mainstay in the national team’s defence. His move to Juventus would see him return to a league where he is already familiar, potentially providing an immediate impact to Spalletti’s squad. A successful transfer would give Juventus a proven Serie A defender and allow Bayern to recoup a significant portion of their initial investment.
