Bayern Munich has signed South Korean defender Kim Min-jae from Italian champion Napoli for a reported fee of 50 million euros ($55 million).
Bayern had been looking to bolster its back line following Lucas Hernández’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain and with Benjamin Pavard’s future uncertain. Pavard’s contract with the Bavarian powerhouse expires next year and he reportedly wants to leave the club.
Bayern Munich announced the signing of the Korean footballer late on Tuesday, July 18, adding that Kim Min-jae signed a five-year deal through June 2028 and will wear the No. 3.
The exact terms of the deal were not revealed, but multiple sources claim Kim will receive an annual salary of 12 million euros.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said;
“He impresses with his physical presence, as well as his mentality and speed. We’re pleased he can immediately take part fully in pre-season and firmly believe that he will also excite our fans with his style of play.”
Speaking to the club’s website, the 26-year-old footballer said;
“FC Bayern is a dream for every footballer. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come in Munich. It’s a new beginning for me. I’ll continue to develop here.
“In discussions with the club, it was made clear to me from the start how interested they are in me. My first goal is to play a lot of games. In addition, I want to win as many trophies as possible.”
Kim who joined Napoli from Turkish side Fenerbahce in July last year, was a vital part of the team that won the Scudetto for the first time in more than three decades last season. He was honored as Serie A’s best defender last season. The Korean footballer also played all but three of Napoli’s 38 league games, chipping in two goals.
