Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Jules Kounde, but they may have to pivot towards Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae.
Barcelona do not want to sell Kounde to Chelsea or any other club, leaving the Blues having to consider alternatives.
Last month, it was claimed that Chelsea made contact about signing Kim, and it appears that the defender is still on their radar.
The Marc Guehi ship has sailed… Any experienced alternatives that come to mind ahead of this summer?
Antonio Rudiger? Ibrahima Konate? Marcos Senesi? 👀
Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
All in all, Kim is not a bad option to fall back on. He is exactly the kind of centre-back Liam Rosenior needs.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona warms up
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Kim Min-jae can also bring experience to Chelsea’s backline
Journalist Christian Falk recently told CF Bayern Insider that Kim remains on Chelsea’s shortlist, which some supporters will be pleased to hear.
There is a consensus that the Blues’ central defence lacks experience. For instance, Levi Colwill is arguably the best centre-half at the club, but he is still 22.
At 29 and after making more than 300 senior appearances, Kim would address the concerns that many have about Chelsea’s backline.
So would Kounde, who is only a couple of years younger than Kim and has just as much experience as him at the top level. Again, though, it is very unlikely that Barcelona sell the Frenchman in the next transfer window.
Who would you prefer to see at Chelsea?
Kim Min-jae and Jules Kounde
Credit: Stuart Franklin/Aitor Alcalde Colomer via Getty Images
Chelsea continue to be linked with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo as well, so he could be another option for the Club World Cup winners in the summer.
SV Werder Bremen v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Kim Min-Jae strong in the air
Experience is not the only thing that Kim would bring to this Chelsea side. The South Korean can also help the Conference League holders to become a more aerially dominant team.
As per FotMob, Kim wins 3.04 aerial duels per 90 minutes. His aerial duels won percentage sits at 64.4%.
According to WhoScored, Kim wins the most aerial duels on average in Bayern’s squad. Ultimately, his aerial prowess is another reason why the South Korea international could be the ideal signing for Chelsea going into the 2026/27 season.
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