Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae has made it clear he intends to stay with the Bundesliga club, ending speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United. The South Korea international has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential signing for the Red Devils since his time at Napoli, but he has now addressed his future directly.
Kim's commitment to Bayern
Speaking to reporters via South Korea's Yonhap news agency, Kim said: "As a player, just to be with a team like Bayern Munich is a blessing. Last season, I thought I played a lot of matches. I am competing as the third defender [behind Upamecano and Tah], and I know I have no choice but to work hard. I think the coach will give me a lot of opportunities, and I think I will stay put."
Since joining Bayern in 2023, Kim has made 116 appearances over three seasons, but has often been behind Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano in the centre-back pecking order. Despite this, he remains committed to the club.
United's summer business
Manchester United have added three new players this summer: Andre Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Karl Darlow. The club has been linked with Kim as a potential defensive reinforcement, but his latest comments suggest such a move is unlikely.
Kompany's praise
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany also spoke about Kim's role in the squad, praising his professionalism. "We have always talked about competition is something that I like personally. It is something that I have known, is something that I have experienced," Kompany said. "I have been in the position of Min-jae, Upa [Upamecano] and Tah, all in one cycle when I was at Manchester City myself as a defender."
"The main thing is to have the quality and then afterwards for them to compete to prove on the pitch. What I will give a compliment to Min-jae [about] is that no matter what, he keeps the focus, and he does the talking on the pitch. In every situation, he has had the right response. His performances have been really good last season for us."
Kompany added: "You can decide who is one, two, three and four. People always make these rankings, but for me, more importantly, because he performs how he does, everybody else in the position has to be good as well. And that is what I want to maintain in the team, not just in the centre back position but in every position, if possible."
