Bayern Munich has signed South Korean defender Kim Min-jae from Italian champion Napoli for a reported fee of 50 million euros ($55 million). Bayern had been looking to bolster its back line following Lucas Hernández’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain and with Benjamin Pavard’s future uncertain. Pavard’s contract with the Bavarian powerhouse expires next year and he reportedly wants to leave the club. 
Kim Min-jae signing autographs for Bayern Munich fans after being unveiled. Source: DDP Images Bayern Munich announced the signing of the Korean footballer late on Tuesday, July 18, adding that Kim Min-jae signed a five-year deal through June 2028 and will wear the No. 3. The exact terms of the deal were not revealed, but multiple sources claim Kim will receive an annual salary of 12 million euros. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said; “He impresses with his physical presence, as well as his mentality and speed. We’re pleased he can immediately take part fully in pre-season and firmly believe that he will also excite our fans with his style of play.”
Kim Min-jae playing for Napoli in the Serie A. Source: Getty Speaking to the club’s website, the 26-year-old footballer 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 who joined Napoli from Turkish side Fenerbahce in July last year, was a vital part of the team that won the Scudetto for the first time in more than three decades last season. He was honored as Serie A’s best defender last season. The Korean footballer also played all but three of Napoli’s 38 league games, chipping in two goals.
Kim Min-jae at a match for Napoli. Source: Getty Kim Min-jae’s transfer to Manchester United is edging ever closer with the Premier League side set to pay his €50 million release clause. The Napoli Central defender has only been in Italy for one season having joined from Fenerbahce last summer for €18m. According to Il Mattino, a deal with Manchester United has been “accepted” for Kim Min-jae and will be completed on July 1. The defender is already being considered “a former player”. The player has also ‘accepted’ the Reds’ offer in terms of wages. Min-jae is set to pocket £9m a year at the Theatre of Dreams, which works out at around £175,000-a-week. Again, this feels like Kim is arguably United’s top priority signing this summer. There are still doubts about Harry Maguire’s future at the club, with the man from South Korea a definite upgrade on the Reds’ current club captain. His arrival at Old Trafford could spell the end for Harry Maguire. Maguire has been used in a bit-part role under boss Erik ten Hag who has settled on Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his first-choice defensive pairing. 
Kim Min-Jae at a match for Napoli. Source: Web Kim turned out 45 times across all competitions for Napoli last season and rounded it off with two goals and two assists. The Sun reported that Newcastle has also held talks with Kim’s representatives. The publication reported; “Newcastle are weighing up a move for Manchester United target Kim Min-jae. While Man United remain favourites to land the South Korea ace, Newcastle are also keeping tabs. “SunSport understands that Kim’s representatives held talks with Toon chiefs at St James’ Park at one of their last home games of the season.” The report also gave details of how Newcastle coach, Eddie Howe is eager to provide competition for Fabian Schar and Sven Botman as Newcastle prepares to play Champions League football next season. 
Kim Min-jae with Napoli fans after securing a big win. Source: Getty Jamaal Lascelles, who is approaching the final year of his deal at St James’ Park, could be sold this summer. The Englishman does not feature prominently in Howe’s future plans at the club. The Sun says that Kim will decide his future next month once he has completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. The 26-year-old wants to move to the Premier League after one season in Italy. Manchester United has been the most interested club pursuing Kim Min-jae this summer. And it is hardly surprising why the Red Devils are keen on signing the defender. After all, Harry Maguire faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. And he will likely leave Manchester United to resurrect his stuttering career. It will be interesting to see how Manchester United will react to Newcastle being eager to land Kim Min-jae. With widespread reports positioning the Red Devils as the front-runners, the ball is in their court. And a summer move to Old Trafford seems likely for the South Korean international.