Could a Korean Premier League defender be born?
Chelsea, the prestigious Premier League club, is keeping an eye on Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae (30) as a defensive reinforcement.
British outlet The Sun reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "Chelsea is considering the possibility of signing Kim Min-jae in this summer's transfer window. If the transfer fee is at a reasonable level, they could make a concrete approach," the report said. According to the report, Chelsea has set strengthening the center-back position as its top priority after recent defensive instability.
Related currents are also being detected in Germany. Christian Folk of Bild said, "Kim Min-jae's agent has already received Chelsea's interest."
The variable is Kim Min-jae's preference. Kim Min-jae is currently satisfied with his life at Bayern Munich. He is also understood to accept being used in rotation under coach Vincent Kompany.
Kim Min-jae left Napoli for Bayern Munich in 2023. The transfer fee was about 43 million pounds (about 85.3 billion won). Since then, Kim Min-jae has appeared in 99 official matches and lifted the Bundesliga trophy. His contract runs through 2028. Bayern Munich also basically prefers that he remain.
In addition to Kim Min-jae, Chelsea has placed multiple defenders on its recruitment shortlist. Stade Rennais' Jérémy Doku is also a target of interest. Arsenal has also joined the race to sign Doku. Chelsea has reached personal terms with Doku but is facing difficulties in transfer fee negotiations between clubs.
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