Following a disappointing 2024–25 season in which Al Nassr failed to win a single trophy, the club is now rebuilding its roster to surround Cristiano Ronaldo with high-caliber players. One potential signing, according to multiple reports, is a standout from Bayern Munich.
Just a few days ago, head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed the departure of a key Al Nassr player: Aymeric Laporte. The Spanish defender spent two seasons with the club and was a major piece of the squad, but his time in Saudi Arabia appears to be over. “Laporte is going to leave and a center-back will come in,” the coach stated.
With that in mind, one of the reported targets to reinforce the squad this summer is Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender has spent the last two seasons with Bayern Munich, seeing regular action. However, he has also been the subject of criticism for key mistakes in high-stakes matches, fueling speculation about his future.
“Talks continue between Kim Min-jae’s agent and Al-Nassr,” reported journalist Santi Aouna this week via his X account. “Player is keen on the move but no agreement yet between the parties.” That information was echoed by another insider, Ekrem Konur: “Al-Nassr continues talks with Bayern Munich’s South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae.”
Kim Min-jae playing for Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter final first leg vs. Inter Milan.
How much is Kim Min-jae worth?
After breaking out in South Korea and later in China, Kim Min-jae arrived in Europe in 2021, signing with Turkish club Fenerbahçe. His strong performances there earned him a move to Serie A the following year, where he won the Italian title with Napoli. That caught the attention of Bayern Munich, who in 2023 paid €50 million (about $57 million) for him, making him the most expensive Asian player in history.
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However, the initial excitement around Kim Min-jae’s arrival in Germany has cooled over time. He’s made 79 appearances and scored 4 goals over the past two seasons, but was criticized for his performances in Bayern’s UEFA Champions League exits against Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
As a result, his market value has dropped significantly. According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, Kim Min-jae’s valuation has declined over the last two seasons: after his nearly $60 million transfer, he is now valued at €40 million (around $46.2 million).
Other defenders Al Nassr are eyeing
Although there are reported negotiations between Al Nassr and Bayern Munich for Kim Min-jae, the Saudi side apparently has other options in mind for its defense. “Pau Torres center back from Aston Villa is also in the short list of Al-Nassr,” said Santi Aouna. Additionally, Sporting News mentioned Chelsea’s Renato Veiga as another possibility.
