Min-jae Kim commits to Bayern Munich as Kompany hails 'monster' defender and faces squad puzzle on Asia tour

Kim's commitment

Min-jae Kim used Bayern Munich's Asia tour to end speculation about his future. The 29-year-old South Korean centre-back, who joined from Napoli in 2023 for around €50 million, said he is determined to stay and fight for his place despite the arrivals of Jonathan Tah and the strong form of Dayot Upamecano. Speaking before a friendly against Jeju SK, Kim stated he is "very happy" at the club and hopes for many appearances this season.

I am very happy to be at Bayern and very satisfied. I hope to get many appearances from the coach this season and to be able to stay.

Kim's second season in Munich was disrupted by Achilles tendon problems and fluctuating form, causing him to lose his regular starting spot. Several top European clubs were linked with a move, but no concrete negotiations materialised. Kim now views the competition with Tah and Upamecano as an opportunity to improve, not a burden.

Kompany's 'monster' praise

Head coach Vincent Kompany gave Kim a ringing endorsement, highlighting his physical attributes and personality. The former world-class defender called Kim a "defensive monster" and praised his speed, while also revealing a lesser-known side of the player.

He is really a defensive monster and really fast. I think very highly of him as a footballer. But he also has a great sense of humour. That is certainly something very few people know about him.

Kompany's comments came during his first press conference of the pre-season, held on the South Korean island of Jeju. The Belgian coach stressed that the Asia tour must remain a serious training exercise despite promotional and media commitments.

The squad puzzle

Kompany faces a logistical challenge as his squad assembles in stages. Key players such as Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano and England captain Harry Kane will only return after the tour, while several injured or rehabilitating professionals will join later still. The coach described the situation as a puzzle but expressed confidence.

Everyone comes back at a different time, some come from rehab that we want to integrate gradually. It's a puzzle we have to solve. But we will get the necessary match sharpness and physicality, I am sure of that. It's a puzzle, but not impossible. We are very confident.

Kompany demanded that the players treat every session with the same intensity as they would in Munich, regardless of the travel and commercial obligations.

Transfer-listed trio

While Kim's future appears settled, three other players have been told they have no long-term role at the club. Sport director Max Eberl confirmed that João Palhinha, Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza are free to leave during the transfer window. Kompany said the club's clear communication is positive and that the players will be treated with respect until the window closes. Palhinha and Boey are on the Asia tour; Zaragoza is absent through injury.

Until the transfer window closes, there is a clear position – and after that we will have to see what happens. But my job is to train the team and prepare it as well as possible for the season.

Pre-season progress

Bayern's pre-season results have been mixed. A largely reserve side lost 2-1 to third-division Wehen Wiesbaden, before a 15-0 rout of amateur club Rottach-Egern. The match against Jeju SK on 4 August is the first test against a top-flight opponent, with around 25,000 fans expected at a sold-out stadium in Seogwipo. Kompany said the team must stay focused and treat the game as a serious part of their preparation.

After the South Korea and Hong Kong legs, the squad will gradually come together. Kompany is confident the puzzle will be solved in time for the new Bundesliga campaign.