Juventus open talks with Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae over summer move
Juventus have initiated discussions with Bayern Munich over the potential signing of defender Kim Min-jae, according to reports from Italy. The Gazzetta dello Sport states that the Serie A club has made contact regarding a move for the South Korean international at the end of the current season, with Bayern understood to be demanding a fee of at least €30 million for the centre-back.
Kim Min-jae joined the German champions from Napoli for €50 million in the summer of 2023 but has found consistent starting opportunities limited this campaign. The established partnership of Dayot Upamecano and, following his summer arrival, Jonathan Tah has seen Kim feature in 31 matches across all competitions, often as a rotational option rather than an automatic first choice. This situation has prompted speculation that the 27-year-old could seek a transfer to secure more regular playing time.
A move to Juventus would see Kim reunited with coach Luciano Spalletti, under whom he enjoyed his most successful club season to date. Kim was a pivotal figure in Spalletti's Napoli side that won the Serie A title in the 2022/23 campaign, earning a place in the league's Team of the Season and widespread acclaim for his dominant defensive displays. His proven familiarity with Spalletti's methods and the Italian top flight is seen as a significant factor in Juventus's interest.
For Juventus, bolstering their defensive line is considered a priority. While Gleison Bremer has been a mainstay, the long-term future of veteran Leonardo Bonucci remains uncertain and the club is assessing options to build a robust backline for the future. Kim's physical profile, ball-playing ability, and prior Serie A experience make him a logical target. His contract with Bayern Munich runs until June 2028, giving the Bavarian club a strong negotiating position despite his reduced role.
The reported €30 million valuation represents a significant loss on Bayern's initial investment after just one season, but reflects the player's current status within the squad. For Kim, the prospect of returning to a league where he excelled and working again with a manager who maximized his talents is believed to be appealing. The transfer would mark a major defensive acquisition for Juventus as they look to rebuild and challenge for the Scudetto next season, while for Bayern it would represent a notable squad adjustment as they plan for the future under a new manager.
