German juggernaut Bayern Munich has found their replacement for French international defender Lucas Hernández after the Bavarians secured a deal for South Korean star center-back Kim Min-jae.
The 26-year-old defender was one of Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli’s lynchpins during a 2022-23 Serie A campaign that saw the club secure its first Scudetto in over 30 years in what was just his second season in continental Europe.
Official, confirmed. Kim Min-jae signs as new Bayern player on 5 year deal. 🔴✔️ pic.twitter.com/XyglXYGpww
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2023
In completing his move to the Allianz Arena, the Tongyeong-born international and former Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü defender becomes the third most expensive player in Bayern history after Thomas Tuchel’s outfit splashed €50m for his services, with just the aforementioned Hernández and Dutch international Matthijs De Ligt ahead of him.
When taking to his personal social media to reflect on his single season in Campania, Kim spoke with nothing but admiration for the club and it’s die-hard support that played its part in a memorable title-winning campaign.
“To my passionate club Napoli, Mister Spalletti, my teammates, and above all to Napoli fans, I would like to express my gratitude. No matter where I will be or no matter where I go, I will remember Napoli and cheer for you.”
According to Transfermarkt’s Area Manager for Italy Jatin Dietl, Bayern have a superb defender on their hands that will move the performance needle for Tuchel’s troops.
“Kim has the characteristics of a modern defender, attacks very high, and looks to anticipate the ball. If I had to choose just one adjective to describe him I would say reliable.”
“His quick impact was very, very impressive. I don’t remember other players in the past, who have become the best centre-back in the league in their very first season. Even big names like [Matthijs] De Ligt had their problems adapting.”
