Romano confirms Kim Min-jae transfer rumors with Juventus showing interest

Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich)'s transfer possibilities have resurfaced.

European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano noted on the 21st (Korea time) through his social media account that 'Kim Min-jae could leave Bayern this summer. It’s a plausible story.'

Earlier on the 15th, Florian Plettenberg of Germany's Sky Sports reported, 'Kim Min-jae is not a resource that Bayern must retain. The club is ready to negotiate if an appropriate offer comes in,' fueling transfer rumors. He added, 'If Kim Min-jae leaves the team, the transfer funds will be reinvested. If he stays, he is expected to form the center-back line with Upamecano, Ito Hiroki, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanisic.'

Plettenberg was the first to report Kim Min-jae's transfer to Bayern two years ago. His statements carry weight. Santiago Aouna of France's Foot Mercato also reported that 'Kim Min-jae is considering leaving Bayern after two seasons. He is adopting an open attitude toward transfers.'

Kim Min-jae transferred from Italy's Napoli to Bayern in June 2023. At that time, Bayern paid a buyout of 50 million euros (approximately 81.2 billion won) to acquire him, who had been named the 'best defender' in Serie A. Head coach Thomas Tuchel highly valued Kim Min-jae's man-to-man defense ability and speed.

In the early part of the season, Kim Min-jae played a central role in the defense amid a series of injuries to starting defenders. However, as time went on, he made frequent mistakes, and stamina issues also arose. The controversy over overexertion added to the decline in his game concentration. Coach Tuchel excluded Kim Min-jae from the starting lineup, opting to use Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier.

The biggest disappointment was in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals last season. Kim Min-jae made two critical mistakes in the match against Real Madrid. Coach Tuchel criticized him by saying, 'He was too greedy,' and excluded him entirely from the second leg. Kim Min-jae received sharp criticism from the German local media.

At that time, there were rumors of a return to Italy, including Inter Milan. However, Kim Min-jae chose to stay. He later received another opportunity as a starter under the newly appointed coach Vincent Kompany.

Coach Kompany highly valued Kim Min-jae's wide defensive range. His competitor, De Ligt, left for Manchester United, and Dier was relegated to the bench. Kim Min-jae has emerged as an indispensable starting player. Although there have been intermittent mistakes, he is regarded as excellent in man-to-man defense and judgment. The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) also named Kim Min-jae the world’s best center-back last November.

Having many playing opportunities is a good thing, but it has been reported that Kim Min-jae's physical condition is not very good, leading to 'overexertion controversy.'

He has been playing with an Achilles tendon injury since October of last year. Additionally, repeated long-distance travel due to the South Korean national team schedule has exhausted his stamina. Fortunately, he was able to rest during the March A-match period, but due to a lack of defensive resources, he had to return quickly.

The side effects appeared immediately. In the 'Der Klassiker' against Dortmund on the 13th, he missed Maximilian Wöber's movement and allowed a goal. Ultimately, Coach Kompany substituted Kim Min-jae early in the second half.

After the match, Sky Sports expressed concern for his position in an article titled, 'Kim Min-jae's collapse, will Kompany also make a decision like Tuchel?'

Some defend that Kim Min-jae's mistakes are not merely a decline in individual skill but an inevitable result of injury and overexertion. The German media outlet 'TZ' claimed, 'Kim Min-jae is playing with not only an Achilles tendon injury but also throat cold and back pain while continuing a rigorous schedule without sufficient rest.'

Amid uncertainties about Kim Min-jae’s future in Munich, recent reports suggest that the prestigious Italian club Juventus has shown interest in him. Gazzetta dello Sport reported on the 19th that 'Juventus has placed Kim Min-jae on their transfer list.'

According to reports, Juventus has already made significant investments in defensive resources to cope with the injuries of Bremer and Cavalli, as well as Danilo's departure. They are expected to continue strengthening this summer. The first plan is to secure the complete signing of Calulu, who is on loan from AC Milan. The agreed transfer fee is 14 million euros (approximately 22.7 billion won), including bonuses.

Bremer is preparing for a return aimed at participating in the Club World Cup, and the direction of Munich's defensive reinforcements will depend on the status of Renato Beiga and Federico Gatti. Notably, Gatti is garnering interest from Premier League clubs, so a transfer possibility cannot be dismissed. Consequently, Juventus is keeping an eye on young resources like Comuzzo of Fiorentina and Leoni of Parma, as well as Kim Min-jae, who could leave Bayern.

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