Spurs Eye Bayern Giant Kim Min-jae as Defensive Crisis Deepens.

Tottenham made contact over the summer for the 6ft 3in South Korean, and next season could be their moment

Tottenham are shopping for a defensive leader, and they haven't been shy about it. Spurs approached Bayern Munich over Kim Min-jae in the summer, the club's push to fix a shaky backline that has left them in the relegation places despite a £300 million spending spree.

According to transfer insider Christian Falk, speaking via TEAMtalk, Tottenham were one of three clubs that sounded out Bayern about the 29-year-old centre-back. No formal offer was made before the window closed, but Spurs are watching closely.

A costly summer, a painful start

The timing says a lot. Despite that summer outlay, Tottenham sit 20th in the Premier League after a winless opening run of five matches. For a club that spent so heavily, the defensive question is now urgent.

A three-way race

Spurs aren't alone. Aston Villa and AC Milan also opened exploratory talks with Bayern in the summer. As with Tottenham, none of the three went as far as a bid.

Interest is high because of Kim's contract. He will have just one year left on his Bayern deal when the 2026/27 season ends, which leaves the German champions with a tricky decision: renew him or cash in.

Bayern hold the cards

Falk stressed that Bayern remain first in line. Kim is expected to hold talks with the Bavarian club before anyone else, and everything hinges on what they offer this autumn. Will they put a new contract in front of him, or is he one of the players they would sell to raise funds?

Falk was clear that nothing concrete is happening yet, and he doesn't expect a move in January. Bayern value Kim's experience and depth too much to let him go mid-season.

Staying put and fighting

Kim has played just three Bundesliga games so far this term, but he isn't pushing for the exit. He is reportedly determined to win back his place in the starting XI, aware that rotation and injuries will bring chances in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

A fit for De Zerbi?

On paper, Kim suits head coach Roberto De Zerbi's style. He is known for his aerial strength, recovery pace and progressive passing from the back, all useful in the high-line, build-from-the-back system De Zerbi favours.

What next?

Spurs' recruitment team will follow Bayern's autumn contract talks closely. If negotiations stall, Tottenham could move to the front of the queue and land a high-profile defensive leader ahead of 2027/28.