Manchester United’s summer shopping list just got a little longer. Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae is back on the radar, and the German club has made it clear what it will take to get him.
According to German outlet CF Bayern Insider, the Bavarians are willing to let the South Korean center-back go for something in the range of £26 million to £34.5 million. That’s a number that has United’s recruitment team paying attention, especially given the injury history of their current defensive group.
Min-jae, who turns 30 in November, was United’s target back in 2023 after he helped drag Napoli to a Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. But Bayern triggered his £43 million release clause and signed him to a five-year deal instead. Now, two years later, he’s not the first choice under Vincent Kompany. The Belgian manager preferred Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah last season, and Min-jae found himself lower in the pecking order.
United’s interest this time around isn’t coming out of nowhere. The club already has five senior center-backs on the roster, including Harry Maguire, whose contract was recently extended. But Matthijs de Ligt hasn’t played since November because of a long-term back issue. And Lisandro Martinez has been brittle. So the front office is looking at more experienced options again, even if midfield remains the priority.
A few other names have popped up recently. An Argentine journalist reported earlier this month that United was considering a big swing for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero. There was also talk of a more affordable deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton. Min-jae is just the latest name in that rotation.
Bundesliga insider Christian Falk says Juventus is the frontrunner for the 6’3 defender right now, but United is definitely in the mix.
“Min-jae Kim is on the list at Manchester United. However, I heard that a deal is hotter with Juventus in Italy,” Falk said. “That said, it’s not certain that the South Korea international will even leave Bayern Munich, as he’s enjoying his role at the club. Let’s see what happens with Juventus; then perhaps talks will open with United if things don’t work out with the Serie A outfit.”
Chelsea and Tottenham have also shown interest in the past, so there’s no shortage of suitors. But if Bayern is holding out for the full £34.5 million, United might just walk away. Ineos has been wary of overpaying for aging players, and Min-jae will be 30 before the season is over. The club has younger options in mind too, like Tromso’s Sedi Kinteh or Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic, though those are longer-term projects.
Right now, it sounds like Juventus needs to make a move first. If that falls through, United might get another shot at the guy they nearly signed two years ago.
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