Chelsea add Bayern defender to shortlist despite Jacquet talks

Soccer Football – UEFA Champions League – Chelsea v Pafos – Stamford Bridge, London, Britain – January 21, 2026 Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Ian Walton

Chelsea are interested in Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. The Blues are known to be in the market for defenders, and are understood to be in talks with Lille for their centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.

While those talks are believed to be progressing well, Team Talk has reported that Chelsea are still keeping tabs on alternatives and additional cover. Kim Min-jae is on their list after Bayern Munich hinted that the player could be available.

Min-jae has seen his starting place in the Bayern side limited by summer signing Jonathan Tah. The South Korean has still featured regularly, appearing in 12 Bundesliga matches for the club.

Bayern have reportedly indicated that they are happy to keep the player but are open for talks if Min-jae indicates a desire to leave. The 29-year-old became the most expensive Asian footballer in history when he joined the German giants from Napoli in a €50m deal in 2023.

His future sum would not likely rise to that amount, but Bayern will be looking to recoup a big portion.

Chelsea are expected to back new boss Liam Rosenior this month, with the Blues understood to be on the market for reinforcements. Rosenior has won four out of his opening five matches as Chelsea boss, with the Blues sitting fifth in the Premier League table.

The Blues have been linked to several names this month already, with mainly the names of midfielders and attackers making the rounds. Defence is believed to be an area of concern too however, with many of their first choice central defenders suffering injuries.

Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana have spent much of the season on the sidelines. The latter is fit again and appeared as a 73rd minute substitute in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on matchweek 23.

Summer signing Jorrel Hato has also spent much of his time at the club so away from the pitch. He too is fit again but Chelsea could still be in the market for more reinforcements. Min-jae would represent an experienced option and slight change from Chelsea’s emphasis on young talent lately.

The Blues snapped up the likes of Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato, and Jamie Gittens this summer, while agreeing deals for Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo to join the club at a later stage.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.

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