Bayern Munich Signs Minjae Kim from Napoli

Bayern Munich completes the signing of Minjae Kim from Napoli on a five-year contract. Get all the details on the transfer and player quotes

Bayern Munich has officially announced the signing of South Korea international Minjae Kim from Napoli. The 26-year-old defender joins Bayern on a five-year contract until 2028.

Kim, who won the Serie A title with Napoli last season and was voted the best defender in the league, will wear the number 3 shirt at Bayern.

Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern CEO, expressed his satisfaction with Kim's development and achievements, highlighting his physical presence, mentality, and speed.

Dreesen believes that Kim's style of play will excite the club's fans. 

He stated, "Minjae Kim has developed extremely well, winning the Serie A title with Napoli last season and being voted the best defender in the league. He impresses with his physical presence, as well as his mentality and speed. We’re pleased he can immediately take part fully in pre-season and firmly believe that he will also excite our fans with his style of play."

Kim himself expressed his excitement about joining FC Bayern, describing it as a dream move for any footballer.

He is eager to continue his development at the club, play many games, and win as many trophies as possible.

Kim said, "FC Bayern is a dream for every footballer. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come in Munich. It’s a new beginning for me. I’ll continue to develop here. In discussions with the club, it was made clear to me from the start how interested they are in me. My first goal is to play a lot of games. In addition, I want to win as many trophies as possible."

Kein Grund schüchtern zu sein, Minjae! 😄
Wir sind froh dich bei uns zu haben! 🤝 #MiaSanMia #FCBayern #ServusMinjae pic.twitter.com/FBiDlKtuZ8

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) July 18, 2023

Kim's journey to Bayern began in his homeland, where he started his career at Gyeongju KHNP. He then played for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the K League 1, winning the league twice.

Kim had subsequent spells at Beijing Guoan in China and Fenerbahce in Turkey before joining Napoli last summer.

At Napoli, he won the Serie A title and made 45 competitive appearances, scoring two goals.

Kim has also represented South Korea at the international level, earning 49 senior caps and scoring three goals.

He played a key role in his country's journey to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.