With interest mounting from both the Bundesliga and the Premier League, Girona’s teenage sensation could either step up under Míchel Sánchez or embark on a fresh challenge outside Spain.

At just 19 years old, Minsu Kim is fast becoming the name on everyone’s lips at Montilivi — and potentially far beyond Catalonia. The South Korean winger has emerged as one of the standout prospects in Girona’s ranks, not just for his exploits with the B team but also for his glimpses of quality at senior level in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey.

Kim’s development has been nothing short of impressive. After joining Girona from Damm just a couple of years ago, he has gone on to amass 13 goals this season for the club’s B team, making him their top scorer and an essential cog in their push for promotion to the Segunda RFEF. His influence was on full display this past weekend, scoring Girona B’s third goal in their 1-3 away victory against Badalona in the semi-finals of the play-offs — a goal that not only showcased his technical ability with a composed strike from the edge of the box but also his capacity to deliver in high-stakes situations.

His performance in the previous round against Peralada, where he also found the net, further underlined his importance to the team. All this while balancing appearances in the UEFA Youth League, where he made a name for himself with a goal and an assist against the likes of Feyenoord and PSG — big performances that prove he’s ready for the next step.

Míchel Sánchez, Girona’s head coach, has certainly taken note. Having given Kim his senior debut last season, he has continued to monitor the youngster’s progress closely this term, rewarding his development with further opportunities in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Those appearances — six in total, accumulating 187 minutes — triggered a contract improvement and a raise in Kim’s release clause, a sign of Girona’s commitment to protecting one of their most prized assets.

Yet, despite this vote of confidence, Kim’s future at Montilivi is far from certain. Girona’s planning for the summer is already well underway, and the club is bracing for significant changes in the first-team squad after a campaign that fell short of expectations. While names like Ignasi Vilarrasa, Carlos Romero, Juan Cruz, Pau Víctor and Ferran Jutglá have all been linked as potential signings to strengthen various positions, it’s not lost on anyone that Girona might already have their first 'new' addition waiting in the wings in the shape of Minsu Kim.

The question, however, is whether Míchel sees him as ready to make the step up. With only two years remaining on his current contract, the club must decide whether to integrate him fully into the first-team fold or consider a loan move — preferably to a higher division — that could accelerate his development. It’s a delicate balancing act: promote him now and risk exposing him to the harsh realities of top-flight football too soon, or send him away and risk losing one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the club’s academy in recent years.

Adding an extra layer of complexity to the decision-making process is the interest from abroad. According to reports from ESTADIO Deportivo, both a German club and an English club have contacted Girona to inquire about the possibility of signing Kim permanently. Such interest is hardly surprising, given the youngster’s ability to make an impact in big games and his proven knack for scoring goals. His versatility on the wing and his experience in European competitions make him an attractive option for clubs looking to add a dynamic, creative element to their squads.

For Girona, though, Kim’s potential inclusion in the first team could solve a pressing problem. The team has struggled for goals this season, with veteran forward Cristhian Stuani — who turns 39 this year — carrying much of the burden. Other forwards like Abel Ruiz and Bojan Miovski have failed to deliver the expected returns, managing just four goals each, while wide men such as Danjuma, Bryan Gil and Yaser Asprilla have contributed sporadically. Kim’s emergence as a clinical finisher from wide positions could be exactly what Girona need to spark their attack and avoid a repeat of this season’s struggles.

With the club set to close the season at home to Atlético Madrid this weekend, attention will quickly turn to the summer’s rebuilding work. Decisions over the futures of players like Bryan Gil — who could be bought permanently for €15 million — and the composition of the forward line will be key, but so too will be the fate of Minsu Kim.

Míchel Sánchez has the final say, and the signs are that he rates the young Korean highly, having already given him two pre-seasons to adapt and grow. With his performances in the Youth League and the B team proving his readiness, this could be the perfect moment to give Kim his opportunity at the highest level. Alternatively, Girona could choose to cash in or seek a loan move, knowing that interest from England and Germany is not likely to fade away.

Whichever path is chosen, one thing is certain: Minsu Kim is a name to watch, and this summer could mark the beginning of a new chapter — either as Girona’s next breakout star or as a young talent looking to make his mark abroad. Girona must now decide whether to fully embrace his potential or risk losing a player who looks ready to take Europe by storm.