- Newcastle United tracking Kim Min-jae
- Bayern Munich defender benched against PSG
- £35m transfer now possible
Kim Min-jae is once again being linked with a Premier League move, with Newcastle United reportedly firmly in the race.
The Bayern Munich defender was left out of the starting XI for the club’s huge Champions League clash against PSG, only appearing from the bench as the Bavarians crashed out.
According to reports from CaughtOffside, both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the South Korean international ahead of the summer transfer window, with Bayern prepared to listen to offers in the region of £35 million.
Newcastle United tracking Bayern Munich defender
Newcastle’s interest comes as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of next season. The Magpies have struggled for consistency at the back this season, and adding an experienced centre-back is a priority.
The 29-year-old Bayern star established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders after winning Serie A with Napoli before earning his big move to Bayern Munich. His physicality, recovery pace and aerial ability have attracted continued Premier League interest.
When Bayern signed Kim in 2023, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen stated: “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.”
Kim was surprisingly left out of Bayern’s starting side against PSG and watched much of the game from the bench as Vincent Kompany opted for alternative defensive options in the second leg.
The decision reinforced growing suggestions that he has slipped down the pecking order in Munich, with Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano now viewed as the preferred pairing.
For a player who arrived in Germany with a strong reputation across Europe, being used more as a squad option has inevitably raised questions over whether this summer could represent the right time for a fresh challenge.
Bayern Munich could sanction £40 million sale
Newcastle are not alone in their interest. Tottenham, Chelsea and Juventus have also been monitoring the situation as Kim’s future at Bayern becomes increasingly uncertain.
Recent reports suggest Bayern could accept offers between £35m and £40m as they prepare for another summer rebuild. For a player of Kim’s pedigree and experience, that could represent strong value for clubs looking to add defensive quality.
Questions remain over whether Newcastle would commit heavily to a 29-year-old defender given the club’s long-term recruitment model. However, with Eddie Howe under pressure to deliver next season after this campaign, adding proven quality like Kim could appeal.
In other news, Eddie Howe ‘loves’ £40m Chelsea star described as a ‘real threat’ to Newcastle United.
