Liverpool Keeping Tabs on £44m Bundesliga Defender Kim Min-jae
Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Bayern Munich’s powerhouse centre-back, Kim Min-jae, as they look to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the 2026 transfer window.
The Reds, under sporting director Richard Hughes, have been linked with several defenders in recent months — including Marc Guehi, Nico Schlotterbeck, Taras Mykhavko of Dynamo Kyiv, and Diogo Leite of Union Berlin. Now, according to journalist Dean Jones (via Flashscore and The Boy Hotspur), Kim has emerged as another name on Liverpool’s radar.
The 28-year-old South Korean international, valued at around €50 million (£43.7m), has struggled for consistent playing time under new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany. While the German champions are not rushing into a decision, reports suggest they may consider letting him go in 2026 if the situation doesn’t improve. A summer transfer appears more realistic than a January move, as Kim remains determined to reclaim his starting role at the Allianz Arena.
Why Kim Min-jae Fits Liverpool’s Needs
With Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation still unresolved and the team showing vulnerability at the back in recent weeks, Liverpool are expected to prioritize signing a central defender when the transfer window reopens.
Kim Min-jae would bring valuable experience and composure to Arne Slot’s side. Standing at 6ft 2in, the South Korean is known for his commanding presence, physicality, and calmness under pressure — traits that make him an ideal option in a Premier League environment where set-piece threats are increasingly common.
Beyond his defensive solidity, Kim is also highly proficient on the ball. According to FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion (93%) and progressive passes per 90 minutes (5.59). This makes him not only a defensive asset but also a reliable distributor capable of initiating attacks from deep.
Football analysis platform Breaking The Lines described Kim as a “tactical chameleon” and praised his “mastery of control” and ability to “thrive when others panic.” These attributes would fit seamlessly into Liverpool’s high-pressing, possession-oriented style under Slot.
Although convincing Bayern to sell won’t be easy — especially with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also monitoring the player — Liverpool could make a strong case if they’re serious about reinforcing their backline in 2026.
At 28, Kim might not be a long-term project, but his top-level experience in the Champions League and his proven leadership qualities could make him the ideal short-term solution as Liverpool aim to maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
