According to respected French journalist Loïc Tanzi, writing in L’Équipe, Crystal Palace are making significant progress in their pursuit of Burnley defender Maxime Estève. Despite Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, the 23-year-old Frenchman could be on the move this summer. Crystal Palace, buoyed by their recent FA Cup triumph and Europa League qualification, have identified Estève as a priority target for their defensive rebuild. Everton have also stepped up their interest in recent days, while Bayern Munich have expressed a more cautious approach, monitoring the player’s situation from afar.

Bayern’s interest in Estève stems from a broader defensive reshuffle at the Allianz Arena. Vincent Kompany, who managed Estève at Burnley during the latter half of the 2023–24 season, has personally checked in with the player to gauge his mindset regarding a potential move to Germany. Bayern are bracing themselves for a summer departure of Kim Min-jae, the 28-year-old South Korean centre-back who remains under contract until 2028. While not the club’s top priority, Kim is part of PSG’s secondary defensive plans, as confirmed by Tanzi.

PSG are determined to strengthen their backline following a treble-winning campaign and view this summer as crucial to sustaining their European dominance. Club captain Marquinhos is entering the twilight of his career, prompting sporting advisor Luis Campos to seek a long-term, right-footed replacement capable of leading the defensive line for years to come.

Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl has already finalised a deal for Jonathan Tah, solidifying the club’s immediate defensive options. Talks are also ongoing over a contract extension for Dayot Upamecano. Meanwhile, Bayern are keen to avoid a protracted transfer saga with Kim Min-jae, aiming to cash in on the South Korean while his market value remains high, with a figure around €30 million being targeted.

One complication for interested clubs is Kim’s €12 million annual salary, which has proven a stumbling block for some. However, PSG’s financial might means they could overcome this hurdle, especially if other targets slip through the net. For now, PSG are prioritising Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté. Should those deals fail to materialise, Kim Min-jae would swiftly move to the top of their shopping list.

Interestingly, PSG’s interest in Kim is not only sporting but also strategic. With Lee Kang-in expected to leave the club this summer, adding another South Korean star would help maintain PSG’s profile in the lucrative Asian market — a move that aligns with their global marketing ambitions.

Bayern’s urgency to reshape their defensive unit — and cash in on Kim before his value dips — makes a deal plausible. PSG, meanwhile, are weighing up their options carefully as they plot a succession plan for Marquinhos, with Kim Min-jae representing both immediate quality and long-term potential.

This summer could therefore prove decisive for Kim, whose future appears increasingly uncertain as Bayern prepare for a new era under Max Eberl and Vincent Kompany. Whether he stays in the Bundesliga or swaps Bavaria for the bright lights of Paris, Kim Min-jae is sure to be one of the most talked-about names in the upcoming transfer window.

One way or another, his next move could reshape the European football landscape — and PSG are perfectly placed to pounce if the opportunity arises.