Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has become the biggest topic of interest in this summer's European football transfer market. Media outlets across Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have been continuously highlighting the possibility of Kim Min-jae's future transfer, bringing up the potential for a move to the Premier League along with the possibility of a return to Italy.

The leading Italian sports daily 'Gazzetta dello Sport' recently reported that Juventus is actively considering acquiring Kim Min-jae to strengthen their defense this summer.

Juventus has suffered a gap in their defense due to the long-term injury of Gleison Bremer and the exit of Danilo, focusing on strengthening their defense by acquiring players such as Alberto Costa, Renato Beig, and Lloyd Kelly in the previous winter transfer market.

In a situation where a central figure is still lacking, it is reported that this is again being pursued by Director General Giuntoli, who directly acquired Kim Min-jae during his past tenure at SSC Napoli. Juventus highly evaluates Kim Min-jae's performances during his time at Napoli and has identified him as a key resource for building a new defensive combination under the new head coach Igor Tudor's back-three system.

Kim Min-jae left SSC Napoli in the summer of 2023 and joined Bayern Munich for a buyout amount of about 50 million euros (approximately 81.4 billion won). At that time, German media and coaching staff highly praised his individual defensive ability and speed, and he has indeed become a core player in Bayern's defense.

As the season progressed, his position within the club began to be shaken due to fluctuating performance, repeated mistakes, and an Achilles tendon injury. In particular, during the 'Der Klassiker' against Borussia Dortmund, he was substituted after allowing a header goal from Maximilian Philipp in the second half, and he received criticism for shaky defense in the Champions League quarterfinal against Inter Milan. German 'Sky Sports' reported, "Kim Min-jae is no longer an asset that must be kept," noting that Bayern is considering him as a selling target.

In fact, Bayern seems to have plans to reorganize their defense through Kim Min-jae's transfer fee. According to journalist Christian Falk, Bayern is considering replacing him with Bournemouth's Dean Henderson (60 million euros buyout). Although Kim Min-jae has a contract until 2028, they are willing to allow a transfer if a realistic price offer comes in.

Juventus has historically been a team where great defenders such as Fabio Cannavaro, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini have played. If Kim Min-jae transfers to Juventus, he could become a core figure of symbolic defense like them.

German 'Fußball Transfer' stated, "Bayern can sell Kim Min-jae for 50 million euros or less."

The clubs wanting Kim Min-jae are not limited to Juventus. Numerous media outlets, including French 'Foot Mercato' and British '90min' and 'Sky Sports,' reported that Chelsea and Newcastle United are already in contact with Kim Min-jae's side. Both clubs are focusing on strengthening their defensive line with the aim of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season, and Kim Min-jae's style is said to align well with their requirements.

In particular, Chelsea is looking for a center-back who can operate a high defensive line and possess aerial control and quick cover play, making Kim Min-jae an ideal candidate.

Kim Min-jae is also reportedly seeking a new challenge. Transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg noted, "Kim Min-jae is aware of the current situation and is ready to hear realistic offers during the summer transfer market."

Kim Min-jae helped lead SSC Napoli to Serie A victory and solidified his position as the league's top defender, leaving a strong impression in the UEFA Champions League as well. Having already adapted to the Italian stage, Kim Min-jae possesses the standing and experience to be a key player in Juventus's defensive restructuring.

The issue lies in Kim Min-jae's physical condition. Since October of last year, he has been unable to maintain normal condition due to Achilles tendon pain, colds, and back pain, and he has not had adequate recovery time due to teammates' injuries. German 'Bild' pointed out, "Kim Min-jae is in such poor condition that he can’t reach his original jump height. Accumulated fatigue and worsening injury have led to a decline in performance," highlighting that he has been noted as the player with the most errors leading to goals among defenders in Europe's top five leagues by the statistics site 'Opta.'

Kim Min-jae is still regarded as a world-class defensive resource, and Bayern is not in a position to 'urgent sell' him. However, due to injury issues, fluctuating performance, and the team's need for defensive restructuring, the possibility of a transfer is increasingly growing. As the time to wrap up his two years at Bayern Munich approaches, attention is turning to whether Kim Min-jae can embark on another prime phase by heading to the Premier League or Serie A.

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