The January transfer window is already generating plenty of buzz across Europe, but few stories are capturing attention quite like the unfolding saga of Kim Min-Jae. The South Korean international, once a defensive pillar for Napoli, now finds himself at a crossroads at Bayern Munich. As of October 15, 2025, Kim’s situation in Germany appears increasingly unsettled, with both AC Milan and Juventus circling in hopes of a potential Serie A reunion. Yet, as with so many footballing tales, the path forward is anything but straightforward.
Kim Min-Jae’s journey over the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable. After a standout season with Napoli, where he helped the club clinch their first Serie A title in over three decades, Kim was snapped up by Bayern Munich amid high expectations. The Bavarian giants, known for their shrewd recruitment, saw Kim as a long-term solution in central defense. But football, as ever, is unpredictable. Fast forward to the present, and Kim finds himself on the fringes of Vincent Kompany’s squad, struggling to cement a regular starting spot.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and other reputable outlets, Kim’s frustration is mounting. The defender, who once relished the spotlight in Naples, is now behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in Bayern’s pecking order. His minutes on the pitch have dwindled, and the sense of being a protagonist—a leading figure—has all but vanished. As one source put it, Kim is “unhappy at Bayern Munich, having never established himself for the Bavarian giants.” The allure of a return to Italy, where he shone so brightly, is growing ever stronger.
But why haven’t AC Milan or Juventus made a decisive move yet? The answer, as is often the case in modern football, comes down to economics. Kim’s current salary at Bayern Munich stands at a hefty €9 million per year—a figure that has proven prohibitive for Serie A suitors. Both Milan and Juventus have made it clear: they are not willing to meet those wage demands, especially for a defender. For Kim to rediscover his best form in Italy, he’ll need to lower his wage expectations. Only then will the Rossoneri or the Bianconeri seriously consider a pursuit.
The scenario is reminiscent of so many high-profile transfers that have stalled over salary negotiations. “Kim Min-Jae’s €9 million salary could block his return to Serie A,” one report bluntly states. For clubs operating under stricter financial constraints than their German counterparts, every euro counts. The days of Italian teams splashing out indiscriminately are long gone, replaced by a more measured, sustainable approach. Both AC Milan and Juventus are carefully weighing their options as the January mercato approaches.
That doesn’t mean the interest isn’t real. In fact, sources confirm that Kim “has emerged as a target for AC Milan and Juventus ahead of the January 2026 transfer window.” Milan, in particular, are eager to bolster their defensive ranks. Despite the recent additions of Koni De Winter and David Odogu, coach Massimiliano Allegri—who has long favored a solid back line—remains unconvinced that his current options are sufficient for a grueling campaign. The idea of securing a senior, experienced defender has been heavily discussed at Milanello in recent weeks.
Three names are reportedly on Milan’s shortlist: Joe Gomez, Mario Gila, and Thomas Kristensen. Yet Kim Min-Jae’s name continues to hover tantalizingly in the background. His proven pedigree in Serie A, combined with his international experience, makes him an attractive prospect for any club seeking defensive stability. Still, the financial hurdle remains formidable. Neither Milan nor Juventus are prepared to break their wage structure, especially for a player who, while talented, is not currently a guaranteed starter at his club.
Juventus, too, are monitoring the situation closely. Their back line has been a source of both pride and concern in recent seasons. While the Bianconeri have traditionally boasted one of the stingiest defenses in Europe, injuries and inconsistent form have prompted calls for reinforcements. Kim’s physicality, composure, and ability to play out from the back would undoubtedly appeal to coach Allegri. But, as with Milan, Juventus are wary of committing to a salary that could disrupt their carefully managed wage bill.
The January transfer window is still a few months away, but the stakes are already high. For Kim Min-Jae, the next few weeks could prove pivotal. Will he accept a lower salary to reignite his career in Italy? Or will he remain at Bayern Munich, fighting for minutes under Vincent Kompany? One thing is clear: the defender’s time in Germany could be nearing an end. As one report succinctly put it, “Kim Min-Jae’s time at Bayern Munich could be nearing an end as of October 15, 2025.”
For now, both AC Milan and Juventus are playing a waiting game. They’re monitoring Kim’s situation, weighing the pros and cons, and hoping that circumstances—namely, the player’s wage demands—shift in their favor. The defender’s frustration in Germany is palpable, but as any seasoned football observer knows, transfer sagas are rarely resolved quickly or easily.
Of course, the story doesn’t end there. The January mercato is notorious for its twists and turns. Clubs jockey for position, agents whisper in corridors, and fans eagerly refresh their news feeds in search of the latest updates. Could another club enter the fray for Kim’s signature? Might Bayern Munich reconsider their stance and offer the defender more playing time? Or will Kim ultimately decide to stick it out in Germany, determined to prove his worth to Kompany and the Bayern faithful?
There’s also the matter of timing. Kim was reportedly available during the summer of 2025, but Milan “never really made an attempt for the South Korean.” That could change quickly if the player signals his willingness to accept a reduced salary. The coming weeks will be crucial as all parties assess their options and prepare for the winter transfer window’s opening salvo.
For now, the only certainty is uncertainty. Kim Min-Jae’s future hangs in the balance, with two Italian giants watching closely and a German powerhouse holding the cards. The defender’s desire to be a protagonist once more is clear—but whether that stage will be in Milan, Turin, or Munich remains to be seen.
As the January transfer window draws closer, expect the speculation to intensify. For Kim Min-Jae, the next chapter of his career is waiting to be written—and the football world is watching with bated breath.
