“Liverpool keeping tabs on £44m defensive powerhouse known for excelling under pressure.”

Liverpool Eye Bundesliga Defender Kim Min-jae for 2026 Move

Liverpool appear to have added another name to their shortlist of potential centre-back signings for 2026. Over recent months, the Reds have been linked with a mix of established defenders such as Marc Guehi and Nico Schlotterbeck, as well as less familiar options including Dynamo Kyiv’s Taras Mykhavko and Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite. Now, another Bundesliga player seems to have caught Richard Hughes’ attention as the January transfer window approaches.

Liverpool Monitoring Kim Min-jae
According to Dean Jones via Flashscore (and reported by The Boy Hotspur), Liverpool are tracking Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae, who is also on the radar of Chelsea and Tottenham. The €50m (£43.7m) centre-back has struggled for playing time under Vincent Kompany this season, and while Bayern have not ruled out a potential sale in 2026, they plan to assess his situation further before making a decision. A move next summer appears more likely than a January exit, with the 28-year-old reportedly focused on reclaiming his starting spot at the Allianz Arena.

What Kim Could Bring to Liverpool
With Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation unresolved and Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities increasingly exposed, reinforcing the backline is a clear priority for the Premier League champions.

While Kim may not represent a long-term solution as he nears 29, he would provide a commanding presence immediately and brings proven Champions League experience. An analysis by Breaking The Lines highlights his “mastery of control” on the ball and describes him as a versatile “tactical chameleon” and a composed defender who “thrives where others panic.”

Standing 6’2”, Kim would offer a physical presence that Liverpool have increasingly lacked, particularly important in defending set-pieces. Beyond his defensive strength, FBref statistics show he ranks in the top 6% for pass completion (93%) and top 8% for progressive passes per 90 minutes (5.59) among Europe’s top five leagues.

While Bayern may need convincing and competition for his signature is expected to be fierce, Liverpool would be wise to seriously consider the 28-year-old if they want to strengthen their defence for 2026.