South Korean defender Kim Min-jae has sparked major transfer speculation after addressing rumors linking him with a move to Liverpool this summer. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, both AC Milan and Liverpool are in the race to sign the Bayern Munich centre-back, with the Premier League giants reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News, Kim hinted at a potential Premier League move, saying: “I’ve always admired the intensity of English football. If an opportunity comes to join a club like Liverpool, with its history and passionate fans, I would seriously consider it.”
Kim joined Bayern Munich in July 2023 from Napoli for €50 million, becoming the most expensive Asian footballer in history. However, his 2024/25 season was marred by a recurring Achilles tendon injury and a cyst in his left foot, which sidelined him for months and ruled him out of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite these setbacks, the 27-year-old soldiered through the season in pain. His agent, Mauro Alves, told Sport Bild: “The worst pain came in the mornings. Adrenaline helped him play, but his movement was restricted — sprinting and jumping became very difficult.”
Now, Bayern are reportedly open to letting Kim leave if the right offer comes in. The Bavarians have already signed Jonathan Tah and are considering offloading players like Kim to ease their wage bill. His current market value is around €45 million, though Liverpool could secure him for less — with sources suggesting a £30 million bid might be enough.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen on bolstering the defense, especially amid uncertainty surrounding Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, and increased interest from Real Madrid in Ibrahima Konaté. Kim’s experience in both Serie A and the Bundesliga makes him an ideal fit for the Reds’ backline.
Meanwhile, AC Milan also remain in the hunt as they aim to plug the defensive leaks that have plagued their Serie A campaigns in recent years. Kim’s prior success with Napoli could make a return to Italy a seamless transition.
Still, Kim’s injury status remains a key factor. He is expected to recover by mid-July but will miss Bayern’s opening FIFA Club World Cup fixture against Auckland City. For clubs like Liverpool, the decision to invest in him hinges on confidence in his long-term fitness.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes are on Liverpool and Milan — but if Kim’s recent words are anything to go by, Anfield may very well be his next destination.
