Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Bayern Munich powerhouse Kim Min-jae, as the South Korean defender’s future in Bavaria remains shrouded in uncertainty.
According to Christian Falk, the Blues are keen to capitalize on Kim’s situation at the Allianz Arena. Despite his reputation as one of the world’s premier center-backs, Bayern Munich’s management is said to be open to negotiations for the right price, signaling a potential summer exit for the 29-year-old.
A Solution for Liam Rosenior?
Under the guidance of manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have struggled with defensive consistency due to a combination of injuries and fluctuating form. The inclusion of a seasoned veteran like Kim Min-jae known for his 1.90m frame and elite reading of the game is seen as a priority to bring leadership to the Stamford Bridge backline.
Valued at approximately €25 million (£21m), Kim represents an incredibly cost-effective “market opportunity” for a player of his pedigree. His contract with Bayern runs until June 2028, but his reduced role this season starting only 10 of his 20 appearances has paved the way for a potential Premier League switch.
The “Napoli Version” of Kim
Chelsea’s recruitment team is reportedly banking on Kim rediscovering the form that saw him lead Napoli to the Scudetto in 2022/23. While his best statistical season in Germany came in 2024/25 (43 games, 3 goals), a fresh start in London could be the catalyst for the “Monster” to return to his world-class peak.
Planning for the Future: Jacquet also on Radar
Kim Min-jae isn’t the only name on the table. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are also tracking Jérémy Jacquet, the highly-rated French prospect from Rennes. While Jacquet represents a long-term investment, Kim is viewed as the “immediate fix” required to stabilize the team for the 2026/27 campaign.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
