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Fenerbahce is preparing to pursue Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae on loan with a purchase option before the transfer window, according to Turkish media reports.
Fenerbahce president, Sadettin Saran, and the management are reportedly ready to act based on technical director Domenico Tedesco's report. The club plans to use the same method applied for Milan Skriniar, who was loaned from Paris Saint-Germain last season and purchased permanently at season's end.
Kim, 29, has a contract with Bayern Munich until June 2028 but has been relegated to a backup role this season.
The South Korean center back recorded one assist in two Bundesliga matches and played 326 minutes across six official matches. The Upamecano-Tah pairing has been preferred in Bayern's defensive line.
Kim became a fan favorite during the 2021-22 season when he played 40 matches for Fenerbahce and scored one goal. He transferred to Napoli for €20 million ($23.16 million), then moved to Bayern Munich.
Kim is seeking a team where he can play regularly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The South Korean defender reportedly keeps a close eye on Fenerbahce and wants to wear the yellow-blue jersey again.
Kim joined Bayern Munich from Napoli in the summer of 2023. The center back is a senior international for South Korea and won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2022-23.
Kim was named Defender of the Season in Serie A in 2022-23. His tough-tackling nature has earned him the nickname "Monster."
The 1.9-meter, 81-kilogram right-footed defender was born Nov. 15, 1996, in Tongyeong, South Korea. He has previously played for Beijing Guoan (2019-21), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2017-19) and Gyeongju KHNP (2016-17).
Kim has appeared in 85 matches throughout his career, scoring four goals with two assists and playing 6,685 minutes. He has received eight yellow cards with no red cards.
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