bayern Munich, attack, not defense, is the problem? Why they’ll regret selling Kim Min-jae

if you followed Bayern Munich in the 2024-25 season, you’ll agree that the criticism of defender Kim Min-jae from the German media and fans has been over the top. But in reality, Bayern’s problems have often stemmed more from a lack of offensethan defense.

bayern Munich, attack more of a problem than defense?

• in the 2024-25 season, Bayern struggled to score goalsin major competitions, including the Bundesliga, Champions League, and Club World Cup.
• in their 0-1 Club World Cup loss to Benfica, a lackluster offense that missed several crucial chances was blamed for the loss.
• the scoring contributions of the main wingers – Leroy Sane, Gnabry, and Coman – dropped off significantly, and the attacking line lacked heft outside of a few key players like Kane-Musiala.
• in fact, Bayern have been inferior to their top competitors in offensive metrics (goals scored, shot accuracy, missed big chances) throughout the league, with a lack of finishing more of a problem than defensive errors.

kim Min-Jae’s value, transfer rumors, and reality

• while Kim was criticized for mistakes and injuries during the season, as well as the pressure of the Champions League, he was one of the mostdominant figures in Munich’s backline, with his speed, pace, and ability to cover wide spaces.
• he was rated as the only center back who could handle the world’s best strikers one-on-one, even against the likes of Vinicius, and his pace , man-to-man defense, and covering abilitieswere recognized when compared to fellow defenders such as Kimmich, Upamecano, and Jonatan Tah.
• it has been argued that the over-criticism from the German media and fans, highlighting only mistakes, overlooked his actual tactical contributions and structural problems in the defense.
• kompany also recognizes Kim’s tactical value and versatility, and trusts him as a key resource to maintain his extreme highline tactics.

jonatan Tah and Kim Min-jae: Should we sign him?

• former Leverkusen and Germany international Yonatan Tah has quick feet and physicality, but his instant pace, ability to cover the back four, and ability to deliver still needs to be tested in comparison to Kim Min-jae.
• in fact, when Tah, Upamecano, and Stanisic played together in major matches such as the Club World Cup, they were repeatedly unable to handle the speed of the opposing strikers.
• if Kim’s move becomes a reality, Bayern’s highline tactics could be further destabilized, according to local media and pundits.

is a move for Kim Min-jae the answer? bayern’s options

• kim Min-jae has recently returned to training and is likely to be available for the Club World Cup tournament, and despite the transfer speculation, his position in the team remains a first-team regular.
• from Munich’s and Kompany’s perspective, a move for Kim could lead to a weakening of the squad, and realistically, a rotation with Tah and Upamecano to manage his fitness and maintain his form seems like a more desirable option.
• local pundits also agree that strengthening the attackingline is Bayern’s priority over moving Kim Min-Jae, unless a deal is done.

bottom line: kim Min-Jae transfer, a bigger loss for Bayern?

looking back at Bayern Munich’s 2024-25 season, it’s clear that the lack of offensewas a bigger problem than defensive mistakes. the transfer of Kim Min-jae would be a negative for the team’s tactics and defensive stability, and local media and fans are increasingly realizing this. if Kim stays with the team and rotates with Upamecano and Tah, Bayern’s defense will still be one of the best in Europe.