“Korean Monster” Kim Min-jae, 26, has signed with Bayern Munich, one of the world’s top clubs.
On June 19 (KST), Munich announced on its official website, “The club has signed Kim Min-jae. He has signed a contract with the club until June 30, 2028, and will wear the number 3 shirt,” the club announced on its official website.
Since donning the Napoli jersey last July, Kim has dominated the Italian Serie A. His trademark tough defense and smooth build-ups have worked well in the ‘home of defense’. After joining Napoli, he was quickly thrust into the starting lineup and played a full season, contributing significantly to the team’s title run. He also won the Serie A Defensive Player of the Year award.
Some of the biggest clubs in the world have reached out to Kim. Initially, several English Premier League (EPL) clubs, including Manchester United, were very interested in Kim. But the tide turned when Munich entered the fray. The Bavarians could afford to pay Kim’s buyout, and guaranteed that he would be treated accordingly.
The Bavarians have high hopes. “Kim has made tremendous progress in Italy with Napoli, winning the title and being named Serie A’s best defender, and he’s impressive not only in terms of skill but also in terms of physicality. His physicality is as impressive as his mental strength and speed. I’m delighted that he can join the team immediately and I’m sure he will inspire the fans with his style of play.”
“Munich is every soccer player’s dream,” said Kim Min-jae, who is pulling on a Munich jersey after two years in Europe. I’m really looking forward to everything that awaits me in Munich. For me, it’s a new beginning and I will continue to develop here. In my conversations with the club, it was clear from the beginning how much interest there was in me.” “My first goal is to play a lot of games. Beyond that, I want to win as many titles as possible.”
At the end of the announcement, Munich detailed that Kim hails from Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, where he played for K League 1 side Jeonbuk Hyundai. 토토사이트
Before the official announcement was made, Kim said goodbye to Napoli fans. Kim wrote on social media, “I would like to thank the Napoli fans for their love and support. Thanks to you, we were able to win the Scudetto for the first time since Diego Maradona played 33 years ago. I would like to thank my passionate club Napoli, coach (Luciano) Spalletti, my teammates and the Napoli fans. Wherever I am, wherever I go, I will remember Napoli and support you. Thank you,” he concluded, adding, “Forza Napoli sempre (Fighting Napoli, live forever).”