Chelsea and Newcastle Circling Bayern Defender Ahead of Summer Window | OneFootball

Chelsea and Newcastle Tracking Kim Amid Bayern Uncertainty

FC Bayern Munich’s defensive conundrum is once again under scrutiny as reports from Sky Sports Germany suggest that the futures of Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano are both up in the air. The Bundesliga giants are said to be weighing up major changes at the back, with Premier League clubs already circling.

Kim’s Exit Edges Closer

Minjae Kim, once heralded as a long-term solution following his €50 million move from Napoli, is no longer seen as untouchable in Bavaria. According to Sky Sports Germany, “Kim is likely to leave the club next summer after just two years in the red and white jersey. According to information from Sky, there is a market for the 28-year-old. Three clubs, Chelsea FC, Newcastle United, and Juventus, have expressed interest in the South Korean international.”

Kim has been inconsistent of late and his high-profile errors — notably during Bayern’s Champions League exit to Inter Milan — have done little to reassure the club hierarchy. With Bayern’s defensive unit leaking goals at crucial moments, patience is wearing thin.

A senior figure at Bayern reportedly stated, “We invested heavily in our defence, but the cohesion and reliability still aren’t where we need them to be.” Kim may now be the most likely to make way in a reshuffle.

Upamecano Stalemate Raises Questions

Alongside Kim, the future of Dayot Upamecano is also in doubt. Despite establishing himself as a first-choice defender, contract talks with the Frenchman have hit a roadblock.

“Advanced talks on a new contract have stalled,” while Bild also highlighted a breakdown in negotiations. The sticking point? Salary.

Photo: IMAGO

“While Upamecano is currently expected to earn around seven to eight million euros per year, the player’s side is currently demanding around 15 million euros, including bonuses,” reports Sky Sports Germany. Bayern, in no mood to be held to ransom, have not yet greenlit any extension.

With the Frenchman currently sidelined by injury, his influence on the pitch is temporarily paused — but his future off it remains one of the club’s most pressing decisions.

Defensive Overhaul Incoming

Since David Alaba’s departure to Real Madrid in 2021, Bayern’s backline has never truly settled. Despite spending nearly €240 million on defenders such as Lucas Hernandez, Matthijs de Ligt, Upamecano, and Kim, defensive stability remains elusive.

Now, whispers around the club suggest this could be the start of another defensive reset. Sky Sports Germany reports that “the next upheaval could come as early as this summer.”

If both Kim and Upamecano depart, it would mark another significant chapter in Bayern’s continued search for a new defensive identity — and signal an opportunity for ambitious clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle to strengthen their own ranks.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea perspective, interest in Minjae Kim makes strategic sense. With Wesley Fofana recovering from a serious injury, adding experience and presence to the heart of defence would be wise. Kim’s aerial dominance and ball progression could suit a Premier League system — though his recent errors may give the recruitment team pause.

Newcastle United will also be watching developments closely. With Champions League ambitions and questions around the long-term availability of Sven Botman, Kim offers an ideal blend of top-tier European experience and physicality. The Magpies’ recruitment has focused on players with high ceilings — and at 28, Kim could provide both immediate impact and dressing room maturity.

Upamecano, meanwhile, may price himself out of a move unless his wage demands are lowered. Both Chelsea and Newcastle are no strangers to bold contracts, but £12.8 million per year (approximate €15m) is steep — particularly for a player who still divides opinion even within Munich.

Bayern’s defensive rebuild is long overdue, and clubs across Europe — particularly in England — will be watching for bargains or statement buys. If either defender moves, it could reshape the defensive landscape of whichever Premier League side acts fastest.