Manchester United are once again eyeing a potential move for South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, reigniting interest after missing out on him in 2023. At that time, Kim chose Bayern Munich over a switch to Old Trafford, with the German club activating a £43 million release clause in his Napoli contract. Despite a rocky start to life in Munich, the 28-year-old grew into his role and was instrumental in helping Vincent Kompany’s side secure the Bundesliga title. However, an Achilles injury late in the campaign has thrown his future at the club into question.
Journalist Christian Falk has revealed that both Manchester United and Liverpool are currently monitoring Kim’s situation. Although he still has three years remaining on his Bayern deal, the recent arrival of Jonathan Tah has cast doubt over Kim’s role in the squad going forward. United, now under the leadership of new manager Rúben Amorim, are in need of defensive reinforcements following the departures of Jonny Evans, Raphaël Varane, and possibly Victor Lindelöf. Amorim is believed to favor strong, composed defenders who are comfortable on the ball—traits that Kim has shown throughout his time in Italy and Germany.
Bayern, for their part, appear open to letting Kim leave this summer. There has yet to be an official bid, but the Bavarian club seems willing to part ways with the defender as they continue to reshape their squad under Kompany. Interest in Kim isn’t limited to the Premier League either—clubs from Saudi Arabia are also reportedly keeping tabs on the situation, which could complicate any potential move to England.
Fabrizio Romano previously confirmed that Kim was high on United’s list of defensive targets last year, and reports at the time even suggested that personal terms had been agreed before Bayern swooped in. Now, with defensive priorities shifting at both Manchester United and Liverpool, Kim is once again being considered as a serious option. While Liverpool may lean toward younger alternatives like Gonçalo Inácio or Leny Yoro, United could view Kim as a more immediate solution, especially if other targets fall through.
Although concerns linger about his injury and the reasoning behind Bayern’s apparent willingness to sell, Kim Min-jae remains a proven top-level defender with Champions League pedigree and strong defensive metrics. If United decide to act, they’ll be pursuing a player they’ve long admired—one who might finally make his way to Old Trafford.
