GdS: Bayern Munich defender happy to join Milan – the two obstacles to overcome

AC Milan are working on signing a new centre-back after welcoming Niclas Füllkrug, and Kim Min-jae has become the leading name.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), the management’s goal is to give Massimiliano Allegri not just another back-up for the defence, but someone who is experienced and has starter-level quality.

The Rossoneri will not sign anyone just for the sake of it, though. They are looking for the right opportunities, especially abroad. For this reason, they’re monitoring what happens with players such as Kim Min-jae, who is far from satisfied with his season with Bayern Munich.

Milan target Kim

The former Napoli man – who moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 when the Bavarians paid the €57m release clause in his contract – is having a difficult year in terms of minutes. In the last two seasons there was disruption due to a Achilles tendon problem (2024-25) and with participation in the Asian Cup (2023-24).

His call-up for the World Cup – which will be held from June onwards in Canada, Mexico, and the United States – is not in doubt because he is a key member of his national team, but Kim would like to arrive at the tournament in peak condition.

Being used so rarely by Bayern is not making him feel comfortable. There are several teams that are generating interest among his entourage (the latest being Fenerbahçe), but Milan’s appeal has warmed him more than others.

If he decides to leave the Bundesliga, returning to Italy is the option that appeals to him the most. He knows the league well and knows he wouldn’t have much trouble adapting to Allegri’s three-man defence (he played in one under Luciano Spalletti) or to life at Milanello.

Bringing Kim to Italy, however, isn’t easy, especially because Bayern Munich must be convinced to accept a loan with an option to buy. Furthermore, the defender’s salary is outside the Rossoneri’s parameters.

Regardless of the player’s approval of the destination, the road isn’t easy at the moment, but the situation could change as the weeks go by. Especially if Kim, who missed the last game due to injury, doesn’t get more playing time.