South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, 30, continues to attract strong interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham amid fresh transfer rumors.
Kim delivered a standout performance in Bayern Munich’s recent Bundesliga match, drawing scouts from both London rivals who attended alongside his representatives. Observers noted his commanding presence at the back, even as Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez hit the crossbar on a header and Chelsea’s Reece James limped off injured.
Scouts Confirm Interest
German outlets report that Chelsea and Tottenham evaluated Kim throughout the full 90 minutes. Tottenham officials announced on the 20th that the club thoroughly assessed his potential fit in the Premier League.
Clubs Weigh High Price Tag
While interest remains genuine, sources indicate Bayern Munich holds firm on its valuation, with no plans to release Kim for less than around £20 million. Chelsea’s record signing, Lisandro Martinez at £25 million, and Tottenham’s top deals for Cristian Romero and Savi Simon at £19 million each, highlight the challenge.
A Tottenham spokesperson remarked, “Kim Min-jae shares real connections with Chelsea, and the interest is authentic, but a concrete move will likely wait until after the season.” The official added that Chelsea favors players with Premier League experience, preferring proven talents over untested options.
Bayern’s Steadfast Position
Kim’s contract with Bayern runs until June 2028, giving the club leverage to demand top dollar. Insiders confirm Bayern values his elite skill set highly and faces no pressure to sell. The German giants previously secured him from Napoli in 2023 for approximately £44 million after his impressive Serie A displays.
Over his first two seasons, Kim featured in 36 and 43 matches respectively despite injuries. Last term, amid team-wide setbacks, he still shone in 10 of 22 league games. Bayern views him as a core asset, with no internal push for departure.
Kim’s Perspective
Kim Min-jae acknowledged the speculation, stating, “Bayern ranks me among the top 10 highest-paid players, so any decision to pursue Chelsea carries weight.” He emphasized his solid standing at the club.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham recognize the financial hurdle but see potential in Kim’s proven pedigree alongside stars like Upamecano and Tah.
