Manchester United have placed Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae on their transfer list ahead of the new Premier League season, according to reports in Germany. The Red Devils have had a subdued summer window so far, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Karl Darlow as the only first-team arrivals at Old Trafford.
United's Defensive Concerns
United are keen to strengthen in several positions before the transfer window closes, including a new left-back to support Luke Shaw and an additional forward to back up Benjamin Sesko. However, the club is also open to signing a centre-back given the injury issues of Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro, and the fact that Harry Maguire turns 34 during the upcoming season.
Bayern Insider reports that United have held a long-term interest in Kim and have again placed the 29-year-old South Korea international on their transfer list this summer. Kim has made over 100 appearances for Bayern since his €50m move from Napoli in 2023.
Kim's Stance and Bayern's Position
Kim, who was heavily linked with Chelsea earlier in the summer before they signed Maxence Lacroix in a £52m deal from Crystal Palace, is said to be happy at Bayern despite losing his place in the team last term. German transfer expert Christian Falk confirmed United's interest but emphasized Kim's desire to stay.
“There is some truth to reports around Manchester United’s interest in Min-jae Kim,” Falk said. “As I’ve mentioned with Bayern Insider previously, the South Korean international is on the list at United. They’re always looking at his situation at Bayern Munich. That said, Min-jae Kim is very clear at the moment that he wants to stay at Bayern and he’s fine with his current role at the club.”
Falk added that Kim is not in the starting XI but sees a chance to break back in. “He's not in the starting XI at the moment, but he has a chance to get there if he’s playing well and, of course, if injuries strike. So, Kim wants to see if he can push back into the team. It’s not like he’s so disappointed that he wants to force a move, and this is a very good situation for Bayern Munich, as they’re fully aware they can’t rely on just two senior centre-backs for an entire season.”
Bayern's Ambitions and United's History
Falk stressed Bayern's need for depth, especially in the Champions League. “Having a player like Kim available is critical if they want to go far in all competitions – especially in the Champions League. Remember, succeeding in Europe is a big target for Bayern Munich. Vincent Kompany made it clear that Bayern want to do better than they did last term. The target is winning the competition. I can’t remember this aim ever being so clearly formalised by the head coach as Kompany did. So, you see, they need a really good squad and they need high-quality options like Min-jae Kim. So, whatever way you look at it, it’s a good thing that he’s staying.”
Manchester United reportedly agreed personal terms with Kim back in 2023, but the South Korean favoured a move to Bayern Munich. Maguire and Yoro are expected to start United’s Premier League opener against Hull City next weekend after Martinez picked up another injury during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
