'Monster' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is rumored to be leaving the German stage this summer. The rumors surrounding him are escalating. From the speculation of a return to Italy's Serie A to long-standing consolidation with the English Premier League (PL), transfer rumors are emerging.

'Bavarian Football Works,' which covers Bayern news, reported on the 22nd (Korea time), "According to reports, Chelsea and Newcastle United are showing interest in Kim Min-jae. He has spent most of this season recovering from Achilles tendonitis, but made two major mistakes early in the season. It is hard to imagine Bayern letting Kim Min-jae go now, but everything could change if a suitable offer comes in."

The atmosphere around Kim Min-jae's PL transfer rumor is gaining speed. France's 'Foot Mercato' explained, "Kim Min-jae has kept the option open for a PL transfer. After moving from Napoli to Bayern, he can now move toward new horizons two years later. Several PL teams, including Chelsea and Newcastle, have already spoken with Kim Min-jae's agent about potential transfers."

European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has also lent support to Kim Min-jae's transfer. He noted on his social media on the 21st, "Kim Min-jae could leave Bayern this summer. This is a concrete possibility!"

Recently, Kim Min-jae's position at Bayern has been shaky. Until the middle of the season, he was praised for successfully reviving under newly appointed manager Vincent Kompany. He solidly supported Bayern's defensive line alongside Dayot Upamecano.

However, problems arose after continuous overwork. Since October, Kim Min-jae has been complaining of Achilles pain, but he has hardly been able to rest. Moreover, last month, as fellow defenders fell to injuries, he had to return as a starter without sufficient recovery time. Concerns about his physical condition not being optimal have also arisen locally in Germany, but he could not take a break.

In the end, Kim Min-jae played through a cold and made consecutive mistakes that led to goals. As a result, Bayern was eliminated in the UCL quarter-finals. The blame for the elimination is largely directed at Kim Min-jae. Despite demonstrating fighting spirit through injuries, he has become a target of harsh criticism.

Shocking reports have emerged that Bayern is considering selling Kim Min-jae. 'Sky Sports Germany' reported on the 15th, "Bayern is open to offers! Kim Min-jae can leave." They added, "Kim Min-jae is no longer a player that Bayern cannot sell. If an offer commensurate with his value comes in, Bayern is willing to engage in discussions."

The media reported, "There are too many mistakes, and the display of 'defensive monster' is too few. According to our information, Bayern's Kim Min-jae is not a player who cannot be transferred this summer. Bayern is open to offers for Kim Min-jae. However, they are not actively pushing for a sale. If Kim Min-jae does leave, a new acquisition could take place at a hefty price. One of the candidates is a lower-tier player."

Journalist Florian Plettenberg also remarked, "Kim Min-jae is not considered an 'untouchable' player at Bayern." He stated, "If Kim Min-jae leaves, Bayern will reinvest that money. Otherwise, they are planning for next season with Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanišić as center-back options. Kim Min-jae's contract runs until 2028."

Germany's 'Bild' also reported that Bayern would not prevent a transfer if they could recuperate the 50 million euros (approximately 81.9 billion won) they invested in Kim Min-jae two years ago. The outlet stated, "Kim Min-jae's buyout amount is 110 million euros (approximately 180.3 billion won). However, even offering 50 million euros would suffice for a sale."

As Kim Min-jae provided an opportunity for a goal against Inter, the transfer rumors have become more concrete. Now, the names of the teams seeking him have been mentioned. Not only Chelsea and Newcastle but also Serie A's top club Juventus are reportedly eyeing Kim Min-jae.

'Sky Sports Germany' stated, "Bayern's poor defense was a key factor in the highest-scoring team in Germany being eliminated in the UCL quarter-finals. Therefore, the board is searching for a new defensive leader. Contract negotiations with Upamecano have reached an impasse and Kim Min-jae could leave."

The media noted, "Due to the mistake-filled performances shown in recent weeks and months, Kim Min-jae is no longer an untouchable asset. After spending two years in the red and white uniform, Kim Min-jae has the possibility of leaving the team this upcoming summer. It appears that he has offers coming in. Chelsea, Newcastle, and Juventus have expressed interest in him."

It seems Kim Min-jae is particularly leaning toward a challenge in the PL. 'Foot Mercato' claimed, "A Serie A club has also expressed interest in Kim Min-jae. He is under contract with Bayern until 2028, but he now prefers a transfer to a new league. According to what has been assessed, the PL is his most preferred option."

For Kim Min-jae, a PL transfer could present a new opportunity. In Germany, he has been held solely accountable. Kim Min-jae is being overworked under manager Kompany's approach, which requires him to cover a wide range, but he is criticized even for small mistakes. While it is true that he has made more mistakes recently, one cannot help but feel that the standards are unusually strict.

Max Eberl, the Bayern director, also openly criticized Kim Min-jae. After the match against Dortmund, he said, "It was a mistake. Kim Min-jae missed the opponent. Until then, he had played a very, very good game against Serhu Girasi. But he must be well aware of the goal conceded." He firmly pointed out, "Like all other players at the end of the season, Kim Min-jae is not at 100% condition. But that does not mean he cannot be fielded."

Having become the subject of transfer rumors in 'Kompany's masterpiece,' Kim Min-jae is at a juncture where he must decide whether to fight to prove himself again at Bayern or to accept a challenge on a new stage that calls for him. For someone in their late 20s, this could be an important crossroads in his career.

Juventus, being the most disliked club among the Napoli fans Kim Min-jae played for, means that PL clubs such as Chelsea or Newcastle could be preferable options. Both are well-funded teams, meaning that the transfer fee is unlikely to be a significant barrier. As Chelsea and Newcastle are competing for UCL qualification next season, Kim Min-jae might choose to transfer after completing the season.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Bayern Munich, Sky Sports, 365 Scores social media.

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