Korean defender Kim Min-jae, currently with Bayern Munich, draws strong interest from Chelsea and Tottenham for a potential Premier League move, though Bayern remains firm on retaining him.
Renewed Transfer Buzz
Recent matches highlight Kim Min-jae’s appeal as a central defender. Analysts observe that both London clubs view him as a key target, capable of anchoring their backlines alongside emerging talents.
Chelsea, fresh from bolstering its squad depth, positions Kim as a commanding presence post their recent center-back acquisitions. Tottenham similarly rates him highly in optimal scenarios, per insider assessments.
Salary and Contract Challenges
Kim commands a weekly salary of approximately 200,000 pounds at Bayern, creating a significant barrier. Chelsea’s top earner, Luis James, sits at 250,000 pounds weekly, while Tottenham’s leading figures, Cristiano Romero and Son Heung-min, earn around 190,000 pounds.
Bayern’s contract with Kim extends until June 2028, with no indications of sale pressure. Club officials emphasize utilizing his experience amid concerns over forward-line stability, having secured long-term deals with center-backs like Dayot Upamecano (four years) and Jonathan Tah.
“Kim connects well with Chelsea, and the interest is genuine, but executing the transfer differs entirely,” Dean Jones stated.
Jones added that Chelsea shifts toward more experienced profiles, expanding beyond youth-focused signings.
Kim’s Proven Track Record
Three years ago, following Napoli’s Serie A triumph, Bayern secured Kim in its marquee summer deal, adjusting his salary to roughly 4.4 million pounds annually. In his first two Napoli seasons, he featured in 36 and 43 matches respectively.
This season at Bayern, despite team injuries, Kim logs 22 league appearances with 10 starts. Insiders note his direct involvement enhances transfer viability for elite clubs.
Kim Min-jae remarked, “Ranking among Bayern’s top 10 squad members internally, I possess the talent to lead Chelsea’s lineup in around 10 key matches.”
Club Perspectives
Bayern prioritizes squad harmony, with Kim competing alongside Upamecano, Tah, and others for central roles. Without major shifts, such as sponsorship changes, his path to rotation minutes persists.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham recognize his value but weigh the financial and positional fit carefully.
