Manchester United representatives have been watching Kim Min-jae for some time and will keep tabs on him at the World Cup, but there is still nothing concrete on a move. Bayern Munich may also be willing to come down from the €50 million it paid for him in 2023 to a range of €20 million to €25 million, a shift that could widen the field around the South Korea defender.
The renewed interest matters because Kim earns a total package of €15 million per season and is tied to Bayern Munich through 2028. That makes any deal more than a simple fee discussion: the buying club would have to absorb a heavy salary, too, and Manchester United may find that part of the equation hard to square with its plans.
Philipp Kessler said Manchester United representatives have been watching Kim for some time and could be open to exploring a move, while Juventus and top Turkish clubs also have him on their radar. The timing is clear enough. The World Cup gives clubs another live look at a player whose stock remains high, even if the paperwork has not moved.
There is also a pull against the idea of an immediate exit. Kim is generally happy in Munich and has not shown any inclination to leave, which means Bayern Munich would not be dealing with a player forcing the issue. That matters because the price may fall, but the rest of the market still has to work around his contract, his wage package and his own position.
Kim’s comments at the tournament underline that mood. He has spoken about accepting his role and being ready when called on, while also saying South Korea can show the world how good it is. For now, the most realistic reading is simple: Manchester United will keep watching, Bayern Munich may lower the asking price, and Kim Min-jae remains a difficult transfer to turn from interest into action.
