Newcastle United are said to have held initial talks with an “outstanding” defender over a move to the club in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle focus on attacking signings after missing out on Mbeumo
Eddie Howe knows the importance of strengthening his squad ahead of next season, and eye-catching reports continue to link the Magpies with potential signings this summer.
Contact has reportedly been made regarding a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with the Englishman seen as an alternative to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who now disappointingly looks like he is off to Manchester United. The Blues ace scored seven goals in the Premier League in 2024/25, including a hat-trick away to Wolves.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro is also considered an option for Newcastle to bring in ahead of next season, as they look to give Alexander Isak healthy competition, as well as ease his workload with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park in 2025/26.
A right-sided attacker remains a priority, though, hence the Madueke links, and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has been backed to come in, having fallen out of favour at the Bundesliga giants. Now, one of his teammates has also been linked with the Magpies.
Newcastle hold talks with "outstanding" defender
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle have held “initial talks” with Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae over a move to St James’. He is keen on a move away, and he could be available for £29.5m after his asking price dropped from £42m.
The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also mentioned as options for the 28-year-old, who is fresh off the back of winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern.
A new central defender is a must for Newcastle this summer and Kim could be perfect, coming in as a big name with proven pedigree at the top level.
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The South Korean is now both an Italian and German champion, having won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2022/23, and Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich spoke of his admiration for he and centre-back partner Dayot Upamecano last year.
“The way they’ve been playing in the past weeks is brutal. They have to defend huge spaces. You have to have a lot of quality to stand 50-60 meters away from your goal and defend the big space behind you. They were criticized after the game against Wolfsburg, but the coach stood up for them in public and within the team. They’re now paying that back. Both are in outstanding form.”
In 2024/25, Min-jae outlined his dominance as a centre-back, averaging 3.2 clearances and three aerial duel wins per game, with his performances more impressive than Fabian Schar’s for Newcastle.
Appearances
27
34
Starts
27
33
Minutes played
2289
2938
Clearances per game
3.2
3.9
Aerial duel wins per game
3.0
1.7
Interceptions per game
1.4
1.3
Tackles per game
1.3
1.1
Goals
2
4
Assists
0
0
The Magpies should see the 69-cap South Korea international as a leading option to strengthen their defence, in what would feel like a statement signing.
