Bayern Munich defender deals blow to Manchester United interest

Bayern Munich have continued to reshape Vincent Kompany’s squad during a summer in which the club’s ambitions remain unmistakably high.

The German champions added variety to their attack by signing Morocco international Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven.

The 25-year-old arrived after being named the Netherlands’ Footballer of the Year and committed his future to Bayern until 2031.

Nathaniel Brown has also joined from Eintracht Frankfurt, providing Kompany with an athletic option on the left.

The Germany international’s arrival strengthened a squad being constructed to challenge for domestic honours and make a more serious push for the Champions League.

Bayern’s work has not only centred on additions, however. Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro departed at the expiry of their contracts, and Nicolas Jackson returned to Chelsea after his loan.

Alongside them, Armindo Sieb has since joined Los Angeles FC and Alexander Nübel completed a permanent move to Besiktas.

Further sales could still be considered before the window closes, but one defender appears determined not to become part of Bayern’s outgoing business.

Christian Falk, writing for FC Bayern Insider, has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in Kim Min-jae and continue to monitor his situation at the Allianz Arena.

“There is some truth to reports around Manchester United’s interest in Min-jae Kim,” Falk explained, adding that the South Korean international remains on the Old Trafford club’s list.

However, that interest has been dealt a significant blow by the player’s own position.

Kim is not currently part of Kompany’s preferred starting partnership, but he remains content in Munich and wants the opportunity to fight his way back into the side.

According to Falk, Kim Min-jae has been “very clear at the moment that he wants to stay at Bayern”.

The 29-year-old accepts his current role and believes strong performances, or injuries elsewhere in the squad, could offer him a route back into the starting XI.

Bayern also have little incentive to force an exit. Competing across the Bundesliga, domestic cup and Champions League means Kompany cannot depend upon only two senior centre-backs throughout the season, making Kim an important depth option.

For United, that leaves interest without an obvious route to a deal. There is no suggestion that the Premier League club have progressed to talks or submitted an offer, while both the player and Bayern appear comfortable with the present arrangement.

Unless Kim changes his stance or Bayern’s defensive plans shift before the deadline, the former Napoli defender appears far more likely to remain in Germany than move to Old Trafford this summer.