Bayern Munich have completed the signing of South Korea international Kim Min-jae from Napoli on a five-year deal.
Kim was really instrumental for Napoli last term, helping the club win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years.
The 26-year-old was named Serie A’s best defender for the 2022/23 season, having made 35 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in all competitions.
Bayern Munich statement confirming the signing of Kim Min-jae
Confirming his arrival to Bavaria, Bayern Munich put out a statement on their website which reads:
“FC Bayern have signed Minjae Kim. The 26-year-old South Korea international joins from Napoli on a five-year contract until 30 June 2028. He will wear the number 3 shirt.”
Following the departure of Lucas Hernandez this summer, Bayern Munich needed a replacement in his stead.
Kim Min-jae, who was magnificent in defence during the 2022/23 season was their go-to option and the German Bundesliga champions secured his signature after triggering his release clause of €50 million.
The South Korean said that playing for Bayern Munich is a dream for every footballer and he also expressed his desire to win a lot of trophies with the German giants.
He said: “FC Bayern is a dream for every footballer. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come in Munich. It’s a new beginning for me.
“I’ll continue to develop here. In discussions with the club, it was made clear to me from the start how interested they are in me.
“My first goal is to play a lot of games. In addition, I want to win as many trophies as possible.”
Kim Min-jae has made 49 appearances so far for South Korea, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists across all competitions.
Kim Min-jae career trajectory
Kim Min-jae began his football career at Gyeongju KHNP in July, 2016 before signing for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in December 2016.
In January 2019, Kim made a move to Beijing Guoan, a Chinese Super League side. He afterwards made a move to Europe, joining Fenerbahce in August 2021 for a reported fee of €3 million.
Having impressed at the Turkish side, the South Korean then signed for Napoli last summer, joining the Neapolitans for a reported fee of €18 million.
His immense contributions in Naples didn’t go unnoticed as he has made a bigger leap to Bayern Munich.
Kim’s teammate at Napoli, Victor Osimhen, has also been linked with a possible move to Bayern Munich.
Having also hit monstrous heights last term, Osimhen has been linked with many teams as they look to sort out their issues in attack.
However, Aurelio De Laurentiis isn’t ready to let go of his goal poacher and he has slammed a hefty price tag on him.
Bayern have also been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, who netted 32 goals and provided 5 assists in 49 appearances last season.
Kim Min-jae becomes Bayern Munich’s third signing this summer, having already signed Raphaël Guerreiro and Konrad Laimer.
