The combination of Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) and Hiroki Ito (26, Bayern Munich) ended before it could be formed.

Santy Auna, a journalist for 'Foot Mercato,' noted on the 21st that 'Chelsea and Newcastle are interested in acquiring Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-jae. The Korean defender has been struggling with an Achilles injury. However, he made two critical mistakes in recent matches. Currently, Bayern Munich is considering letting Kim Min-jae go if a suitable offer comes in,' asserting Kim Min-jae's possibilities of moving to England.

Japanese media also officially reported through overseas media that Kim Min-jae has been transferred. The Japanese soccer outlet 'Football Zone' reported that 'the Japan-Korea center-back combination did not materialize. Kim Min-jae is expected to leave Bayern Munich. Kim Min-jae's future is uncertain. According to Sky Sports, multiple clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle, and Juventus are interested in Kim Min-jae.'

'The media added, 'Kim Min-jae has been recognized for his performances in Europe, leading Napoli to the Serie A championship. However, he made serious mistakes in the Champions League quarter-finals against Inter Milan. Kim Min-jae, along with Dayot Upamecano, is a candidate to be let go by Bayern Munich. Ultimately, Kim Min-jae is expected to be sold after two seasons. The Japan-Korea defender combination of Hiroki Ito and Kim Min-jae may not have a chance to play together at all.'

Kim Min-jae started in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Inter Milan on the 17th. After making two major mistakes, Bayern Munich drew 2-2. Kim Min-jae, who partnered with Eric Dier, played for 65 minutes before being substituted.

The first mistake occurred in the first half. Kim Min-jae received a warning for attempting a sliding tackle to stop Marcus Thuram in the 28th minute. This became the reason for giving the opponent a threatening free-kick opportunity.

The decisive mistake that led to underestimating Kim Min-jae came in the second half. In the 16th minute of the second half, he failed to defend Benjamin Pavard's header goal. That goal allowed Inter Milan to take a 2-1 lead. In the end, Kim Min-jae was substituted and left the field early. These two moments remain the most critical ones for Kim Min-jae.

Following this match, Bayern Munich's internal decision to sell Kim Min-jae was firmed up. Florian Plettenberg from German 'Sky Sports' noted that 'Kim Min-jae is not considered an irreplaceable player at Bayern. The club does not plan to release him, but if an offer comes from another team, they are willing to let him go,' mentioning the possibility of his transfer.

Japanese media expressed hope that once Kim Min-jae leaves, Hiroki Ito could become a starter at Bayern. However, Hiroki Ito's skills fall short of Bayern's level. Furthermore, he has had few opportunities to play due to frequent injuries.

On March 29, in the match against St. Pauli while Kim Min-jae was sidelined due to injury, Hiroki Ito came on as a substitute in the 13th minute of the second half and played for about 40 minutes. The prediction by Japanese media that Ito could be an alternative for Kim Min-jae was absolutely unfounded.

To make matters worse, at the end of the match, Hiroki Ito collapsed on the field in pain. Examination results indicated that he has re-injured the previously injured metatarsal. In the worst case, he may not be able to take the field for three months, effectively an announcement of being out for the season. Bayern Munich officially announced, 'Ito has injured his metatarsal. He is unable to participate for the time being. Having just returned from injury, another long-term absence is expected.'

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