Chelsea’s search for a defensive anchor has led them to Bavaria. As of Friday, January 23, 2026, the Blues have reportedly made "concrete inquiries" to Bayern Munich regarding the availability of South Korean international Kim Min-jae.
While Chelsea are close to finalizing a £65 million deal for Rennes’ young prodigy Jérémy Zakaria, head coach Liam Rosenior is said to be pushing for a more experienced leader to stabilize a backline that has struggled for consistency this season.
The "Bayern Insider" Scoop
The news broke via the Bayern Insider podcast, where prominent German journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl confirmed that Chelsea’s interest is far more than just a "scouting mission."
Bayern’s Stance: The German giants are surprisingly open to a deal. While they aren't forcing Kim out, manager Vincent Kompany currently views him as a third-choice option behind Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano.
The Player’s Decision: Kim recently told fans at a fan club event that he "feels at home" in Munich, but sources suggest the lure of the Premier League and guaranteed starting minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup could tempt him to move this summer.
The Valuation: Bayern paid €50 million for Kim in 2023. While his market value has fluctuated due to reduced playing time, Munich would reportedly hold out for a fee "significantly higher" than his current €25m–€30m valuation.
The "Zakaria" Conflict
There is a catch. Chelsea’s pursuit of Kim Min-jae could be "cooled" if the deal for 20-year-old Jérémy Zakaria is completed this week. With Chelsea valuing Zakaria as a "generational" talent, the club’s hierarchy is debating whether to spend another £40m+ on a 30-year-old veteran like Kim or trust their youth movement.
The Verdict: Kim Min-jae is at a crossroads. He remains one of the best pure defenders in Europe, but he needs a system that trusts his aggressive style. For Chelsea, he would be a "statement" signing that proves they are ready to stop experimenting and start winning.