Kim Min-jae seeks transfer as EPL clubs, including Chelsea and Newcastle, show interest

There are reports that several English Premier League (EPL) clubs are targeting Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich).

Santi Aouna of the French media 'Foot Mercato' reported on the 18th (Korea time) that "Kim Min-jae is seeking a transfer after spending two seasons at Bayern and is open to the move."

This is not the first time Kim Min-jae's transfer rumors have surfaced. Last summer, both Inter Milan and Manchester United expressed interest, but Kim Min-jae chose to remain with the team to restore his honor. As the season is nearing its end, transfer rumors have emerged again.

'Foot Mercato' reported that several EPL clubs, including Chelsea and Newcastle, have already contacted Kim Min-jae's side. One Serie A team has also shown interest, but Kim Min-jae is currently more inclined towards a move to the EPL for new league experience.

Reports emerged that Bayern is considering selling Kim Min-jae following reports of frequent mistakes, and soon after, 'Foot Mercato' reported on the EPL possibilities. Earlier on the 15th, Florian Plettenberg of German 'Sky Sports' stated on his social media account that "Kim Min-jae is not a player that Bayern necessarily has to keep. The club is prepared to negotiate if appropriate offers come in during the summer transfer market," igniting transfer speculation.

He added, "If Kim Min-jae leaves the team, that funding will be reinvested. On the other hand, if he remains, he will form a central defender unit with Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanisic."

Plettenberg is the one who first reported Kim Min-jae's transfer to Bayern two years ago. His remarks cannot be overlooked.

Kim Min-jae left Italy's Napoli for Germany in June 2023. Bayern paid a buyout clause of €50 million (approximately 81.2 billion won) to acquire him, who was selected as the 'Best Defender' in Serie A. At that time, former head coach Thomas Tuchel praised Kim Min-jae's speed and man-marking ability.

At the beginning of the transfer season, he played a central role amid frequent injuries to the starting defenders. However, as the season progressed, he faced criticism for repeated mistakes and a decline in physical condition. After experiencing concentration issues due to overwork, Coach Tuchel opted to start Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier instead of Kim Min-jae and Upamecano.

The most painful moment was in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinal against Real Madrid. Kim Min-jae made two critical mistakes. Coach Tuchel publicly criticized him, saying, "Kim Min-jae was too greedy," and excluded him from the second leg. Bayern failed to advance to the final. Kim Min-jae faced harsh criticism in Germany.

Subsequently, rumors of a return to Italy arose. Serie A teams, including Inter Milan, expressed interest, but Kim Min-jae chose to stay in Munich.

There was a change under head coach Vincent Kompany, who took over just before the current season. Coach Kompany utilized Kim Min-jae's extensive defensive range, making him a regular starter. De Ligt left for Manchester United, and Dier was relegated to a bench role.

Kim Min-jae once again established himself as a central defender. While mistakes occurred intermittently, his quick decision-making and man-marking remained intact. He is currently enjoying Coach Kompany's trust. The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) even named him the best center back in the world last November.

However, Kim Min-jae has been struggling with an Achilles injury since last October. Coupled with the taxing schedule of the Korean national team, his physical exhaustion intensified. He collapsed with an injury during the March international period but had to return immediately due to multiple injuries among his fellow defenders.

Ultimately, issues arose. His concentration began to falter. In the 'De Klassiker' against Dortmund on the 13th, he lost track of Maximilian Wöber's movement, allowing a goal. Coach Kompany replaced Kim Min-jae early in the second half and brought in fullback Raphaël Guerreiro to restructure the defensive line. Fullback resource Stanisic took over the center-back position.

Post-match local reactions were harsh. 'Sky Sports' pointed out in an article titled "The collapse of Kim Min-jae: will Kompany ultimately make the same decision as Tuchel?" that Kim Min-jae's position is shaky.

However, some argue that Kim Min-jae's error-prone play is a result of overwork. The German media 'TZ' reported, "Kim Min-jae is playing despite suffering from an Achilles injury, a throat cold, and back pain. He continues to push through without rest."

Ultimately, both Kim Min-jae's struggles and transfer rumors are interpreted as complex results intertwined with the internal team situation, not simply personal ability issues.

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