Defender Min-jae Kim is not necessarily looking to leave Bayern Munich despite his current role as a rotational player.
«I always thought that constant playing was the solution, but now I am satisfied with my role as a challenger,» Kim told the Korean media outlet Footballist.
Kim, who transferred to Munich from SSC Napoli in 2023 and was mostly a starter in his first two years, is currently the third-choice center-back at Bayern, behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah. «I’ve never experienced a long period where I wasn’t playing, so it was a bit difficult at first. But over time, I realized that there are positive aspects to it,» the South Korean emphasized.
Getting occasional breaks, he explained, even benefits him given Bayern’s intense playing style: «I rely heavily on my speed, and our team plays in a style that requires a lot of physical exertion. Therefore, I think the current situation is good.»
Min-jae Kim May Leave FC Bayern for the Right Offer
Although Kim is under contract with Bayern until 2028, he was considered a potential sale candidate as early as last winter’s transfer window. Reports suggest that FCB would not stand in the 29-year-old’s way if a suitable offer were to be made. Despite notable interested parties, Kim remained at Säbener Straße.
In the winter, it was said that the defender wanted to wait until the summer to see if his situation would improve. However, this has not materialized so far, with Tah and Upamecano remaining the preferred starters. Bayern’s stance is said to have remained unchanged; Kim may depart after the season if an appropriate offer comes in.
Juventus Turin, AC Milan, and the top Turkish clubs Fenerbahce (where he already played in 2021/22), Galatasaray, and Besiktas are reportedly showing interest in Kim. Juve is said to have already made contact with the South Korean international, and Bayern would likely demand a transfer fee of around 30 million euros.
Min-jae Kim Likely to Be on the Bench Against Leverkusen
Bayern had transferred 50 million euros to SSC Napoli for Kim in 2023. This season, the defender has regularly featured despite his fall in the pecking order, for example, starting in five of the last six Bundesliga matches.
Overall, Kim has made 32 appearances (one goal, one assist) in 2025/26 so far. However, in the most important games, he has to accept the role of a substitute. He is therefore highly likely to be on the bench for the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Min-jae Kim: His Statistics for FC Bayern Munich
| Matches | 111 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 10 |
| Second Yellow Cards | 1 |