Bayern Munich has been forced to explore the market for center-back options. Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard have decided to leave Bayern this summer, which leaves a massive void in the defensive areas of the squad. Die Roten has no plans to sell both French defenders cheaply as they are looking to recoup the fee they paid for them four years ago.
The Bavarian club has already started working on replacements in central defense. Die Roten has identified Napoli’s Kim Min-jae as the top target for the defense. The South Korean defender is attracting interest from several clubs, but Die Roten is close to winning the race.
According to Footmercato, Bayern is close to reaching an agreement with Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender will earn €10 million/year net if he seals a move to Die Roten. The Bavarian club has beaten Manchester United and Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old defender.
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the agreement between Kim Min-jae and Bayern is close to completion. RMC in France has also given further details about Die Roten’s contract offer. The South Korean defender will earn a gross €17 million/year, while the agent commission will be €15 million.
The agreement between Bayern and Kim Min-jae is at final stages, details to be sorted on 5 year deal. He’s prepared to accept, not signed yet 🔴🇰🇷
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2023
The release clause will become valid on July 1 — unless other clubs send new bigger salary proposal next week, Kim will join Bayern. pic.twitter.com/iLwX1m5vTA
Bayern will not have to negotiate with Napoli for a fee since Kim Min-jae has a release clause in his contract. The release clause is between €50-60 million, which will be valid during the first 15 days of July. Die Roten has done a lot of groundwork to complete the signing of Kim Min-jae when the release clause becomes effective on July 1.
The Bavarian club is effectively reinvesting the funds they will get from the sale of Hernandez to buy the South Korean defender. Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly agreed personal terms with the French defender. PSG is likely to make a bid sooner rather than later for Hernandez.
Kim Min-jae will be a good replacement for Hernandez. The South Korean defender has been one of the best center-backs in Europe last season. He played a crucial role in Napoli’s first Serie A win in three decades. Along with being a no-nonsense defender, Kim Min-jae is very efficient on the ball. The 26-year-old defender has all the tools to become a key player for Die Roten if a transfer is completed this summer.
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Meanwhile, Bayern has identified Manchester City’s Kyle Walker as a replacement for Pavard. The Bavarian club is holding talks with the English full-back. It remains to be seen if Manchester City is ready to sell him, asBritish media on Monday reported that both sides remain in talks for a renewal.