At long last, Kim Min-jae has officially joined Bayern Munich, as confirmed by an official club statement. The South Korea international joins Bayern Munich on a five-year contract after the German Champions exercised the release clause in Kim’s contract with Napoli, estimated to be in the €50-60 million range.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen commented on the new acquisition.
“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, who was Serie A’s best defender last season, expressed his excitement with the move.
“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”
Though Napoli’s official announcement was rather brief – “SSC Napoli formalize the definitive sale of Kim Min-Jae to Bayern Munich.” – the club posted a video on social media, along with the message, “It doesn’t matter the duration of the trip but what we have experienced together. Thanks Minjae. Meanwhile, Kim released a video expressing his gratitude towards the club and its fans.
“Hi, it’s Kim Min-jae. I want to send a message to all the Napoli fans who have shown me love and support: Thanks to you it was possible to win the Scudetto 33 years after Maradona. Thanks to the club, to coach Spalletti, to my teammates and above all to the Napoli fans to whom all my gratitude goes. No matter where I am or where I will go, I will remember Napoli and I will be happy for you. Thank you, Forza Napoli Sempre”
