Report: Liverpool Monitoring £44m Defensive Powerhouse Kim Min-jae Ahead of 2026 Transfer Window
Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae, as the club continues to explore options to bolster its defensive ranks for 2026.
The Reds have been linked with several defenders in recent months, including Marc Guehi, Nico Schlotterbeck, and rising stars such as Taras Mykhavko of Dynamo Kyiv and Diogo Leite of Union Berlin. Now, another Bundesliga name has emerged on the radar of sporting director Richard Hughes as the January transfer window approaches.
According to Dean Jones (via Flashscore and The Boy Hotspur), Liverpool are closely monitoring Kim Min-jae’s situation at Bayern, where he has struggled to secure consistent playing time under new head coach Vincent Kompany. Both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be tracking the 28-year-old.
The South Korean defender, valued at around €50 million (£43.7m), has reportedly seen his future placed under review by Bayern, who could consider selling him in 2026 depending on his performances this season. A summer move appears more likely than a January exit, though Kim is understood to be fully focused on reclaiming a regular starting role at the Allianz Arena.
What Kim Could Bring to Liverpool’s Defence
With Ibrahima Konaté’s contract yet to be resolved and recent defensive lapses exposing vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s back line, a new central defender remains a top priority for Arne Slot.
Although Kim turns 29 next month, his pedigree at the highest level makes him an attractive short-term option. The former Napoli star played a crucial role in their Serie A title-winning campaign before moving to Bayern, earning a reputation as a composed, intelligent, and dominant centre-back.
An analysis by Breaking The Lines praised Kim for his “mastery of control” and tactical adaptability, describing him as a “tactical chameleon” who thrives under pressure and maintains composure where others falter.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Kim combines physical strength with technical precision — attributes that would add resilience and balance to Liverpool’s defence, especially amid the Premier League’s growing emphasis on set pieces.
Statistically, Kim ranks among Europe’s elite defenders: according to FBref, he sits in the top 6% for pass completion (93%) and top 8% for progressive passes per 90 minutes (5.59) across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.
Competition Expected for Kim’s Signature
While persuading Kim to leave Bayern may prove challenging, interest from several Premier League clubs suggests competition could be fierce if he becomes available.
For Liverpool, securing a defender of Kim’s calibre would provide much-needed depth and experience as the club prepares for another demanding campaign in 2026.
As things stand, the Reds appear to be keeping their options open — but Kim Min-jae is certainly one name worth watching closely.
