Juventus are preparing for a significant shake-up in its defensive ranks this summer, with Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae emerging as a key target. The South Korean centre-back, who rose to prominence during his title-winning season with Napoli, is now attracting interest from several top European clubs as his future at Bayern becomes increasingly uncertain.
Juventus Defence in Flux
Injuries have plagued Juventus’ defence throughout the season, forcing the club to make emergency signings during the winter transfer window. Renato Veiga arrived on a short-term loan, while Lloyd Kelly joined with an obligation to buy. However, neither has provided enough guarantees for the club’s long-term plans. The return of Bremer from injury and the confirmed signing of Pierre Kalulu offer some stability, but uncertainty surrounds Federico Gatti, who is drawing interest from the Premier League. Meanwhile, keeping Veiga would require complex negotiations with Chelsea.
Kim Min-jae: A Sought-After Solution
Amid this uncertainty, Juventus are actively exploring the market for defensive reinforcements. Sky Sport Germany report that Kim Min-jae, currently at Bayern Munich, stands out as a prime candidate. After helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in over three decades, Kim moved to Bayern in the summer of 2023 for €50 million. Despite a strong start in Germany and being a regular starter, his status at Bayern has shifted. The club is now open to offers for the 28-year-old, following a season marked by both solid performances and a few costly errors.
Competition for Kim’s Signature
Juventus are not alone in its pursuit of Kim. Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United have already initiated contact with his representatives, signalling their intent to bring him to England. Kim, who has made 78 appearances for Bayern, is reportedly open to a move if the right offer comes along. His contract runs until 2028, but Bayern’s willingness to negotiate has put several clubs on high alert.
A Return to Serie A?
Kim’s previous success in Italy, where he was named Serie A’s Best Defender and played a pivotal role in Napoli’s historic title win, makes a return to Serie A an attractive proposition for both the player and Juventus. His familiarity with the league and proven defensive quality would make him a valuable addition as Juventus looks to rebuild its backline.
