According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have re-entered the race for South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, with the Bayern Munich centre-back reportedly eager for a fresh challenge this summer. The Reds previously showed interest in the player during his standout spell at Napoli and are now among the front-runners to bring him to Anfield, according to sources close to the situation.
After a somewhat underwhelming stint at Bayern Munich, Kim is open to moving on, and the Bundesliga champions are now willing to negotiate at a reduced price, down from the initial €50 million to around €35 million. For Liverpool, this creates a timely opportunity. With Virgil van Dijk entering the twilight of his career and Ibrahima Konate’s contract nearing its final year, Arne Slot is keen to add depth and experience to his defensive ranks.
Kim Min-jae’s physical presence, ball-winning ability, and composure in high-pressure situations make him a solid candidate to bolster Liverpool’s backline, particularly in a squad transitioning into a new era under Slot’s leadership. His Premier League preference only strengthens the Reds’ position in negotiations.
Liverpool are not alone in tracking Kim Min-jae. Newcastle United have held initial talks, and Chelsea remain a potential threat in the transfer race. For both clubs, Kim offers something unique and much-needed.
At Chelsea, the defensive line has lacked consistency and leadership since the departure of Antonio Rudiger. Despite the presence of promising talents like Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, injuries and inexperience have left gaps. Kim would bring maturity, aerial dominance, and calmness, qualities that could immediately stabilise a backline under pressure. His profile fits the club’s recent shift toward balancing youth with experience, and with European competition looming, squad depth is paramount.
At Newcastle United, Kim would seamlessly slot into Eddie Howe’s system, especially with doubts over the long-term fitness of key defenders like Sven Botman. The Magpies have already demonstrated ambition in the transfer market, and adding the €35 million-rated defender to the mix would elevate their defensive options as they aim to cement themselves in the top-four conversation.
While his Bayern Munich chapter has not been a resounding success, Kim Min-jae’s pedigree remains undeniable. He was a cornerstone of Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign and was widely praised for his discipline, positioning, and reading of the game. The Premier League’s physicality and pace could suit his style more than the tactical rigidity of the Bundesliga.
For Liverpool, the timing feels right. They need to prepare for life beyond van Dijk, and Kim offers a ready-made option with the right mix of experience and hunger. He may not have flourished in Germany, but a motivated defender with a point to prove is exactly the kind of player Liverpool could harness to great effect.
Kim Min-jae may not arrive with the fanfare of a marquee signing, but he could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business this summer. For Liverpool, who need immediate defensive reinforcement without compromising long-term planning, he checks all the boxes.
The price, at €35 million, is fair, the player is keen, and his skill set is Premier League-ready. If Slot can integrate him swiftly, Kim could quietly become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s next defensive era, especially with rivals like Chelsea and Newcastle circling.
