Contrary to the pre-season reports that Kim Min-jae had been mentioned as a “transfer candidate,” he started Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga opener. Bayern defeated Stuttgart 5–1 on August 28, 2026, with Kim playing until the 84th minute.
Records Confirmed in the Opening Match
Kim was included in the starting lineup against Stuttgart. According to official match data, he was substituted in the 84th minute, while Bayern recorded 21 shots to Stuttgart’s 11. Bayern also had 58.9% possession, compared with Stuttgart’s 41.1%.
Bayern’s goals were scored by Upamecano, Olise, Pavlovic, and Díaz, along with a Stuttgart own goal. Vagnoman scored for Stuttgart.
The direct evidence from the opening match is Kim Min-jae’s starting appearance and his playing time through the 84th minute.
A Change Amid Pre-Season Reports
Sky Sport reported in July 2026 that Bayern had changed its internal plans and no longer viewed Kim Min-jae as a transfer candidate at the time, with the club planning to begin the new season with him unless a major offer arrived. In an official Bundesliga interview, Kim also said he was ready to fight for his place in the center-back competition for the new season.
Against this background, Kim’s start in the opening match can be regarded as match-based evidence that he has received an opportunity in the early-season competition for playing time. However, reports about Bayern’s pre-season retention plans and a single starting appearance must both be distinguished from confirmation of a long-term starting role.
What to Watch Next
To assess Kim’s position within the team, it will be necessary to continue monitoring the following records in subsequent matches.
- Whether he continues to start
- Whether his playing time is maintained from match to match
- How playing opportunities are distributed amid the center-back competition
The conclusion supported by the information available so far is clear. Kim Min-jae started the opener and played until the 84th minute. However, this one match alone cannot confirm that he has completely transitioned from a transfer candidate into a long-term key player for the team.