The key issue is the UEFA Champions League (UCL), often referred to as 'The War of Stars.' The winner of the race for Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) among Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Juventus is likely to secure a spot in next season's UCL.
The British outlet 'Newcastle Tunes' reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Newcastle is pushing to sign Bayern Munich star, who has agreed to a Premier League (PL) transfer, for 50 million euros (about 81.3 billion won). They have contacted Kim Min-jae's agent ahead of a potential summer transfer."
The media noted that "Newcastle is once again looking to strengthen its defense and could bring in a proven European star. According to Spanish 'Pichajes', Kim Min-jae is ready to leave Bayern Munich this summer, and 'Magpies' are already moving behind the scenes."
Additionally, Newcastle Tunes stated that "Kim Min-jae has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in the world after a sensational performance with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season. He played a crucial role in Napoli securing a historic Serie A title, and Bayern activated his 50 million euro buyout clause just a season ago. However, despite scoring 3 goals in 42 games for Bayern this season, Kim Min-jae may already be ready to embrace a new chapter."
'Chronicle Live', which covers Newcastle news, also expressed that "According to reports from Germany, Newcastle is closely monitoring the situation surrounding Kim Min-jae, and rumors are growing that he is preparing for a summer transfer. He has been a key player for Bayern this season. Kim Min-jae could seek a new challenge outside the Bundesliga, and the Magpies have shown interest."
Kim Min-jae is reportedly in a position to leave Bayern this summer. On the 15th, 'Sky Sports Germany' reported that "Bayern is open to offers! Kim Min-jae can leave," adding that "Kim Min-jae is no longer considered unsellable at Bayern. If an offer that matches his value comes in, Bayern would be willing to engage in talks."
The media stated that "There have been too many mistakes, and the 'defensive monster' aspect has been lacking. According to our information, Bayern's Kim Min-jae is not an impossible player to transfer this summer," further noting that "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 hefty amount for a new signing can be involved, with one of the candidates being Dean Huysens."
Journalist Florian Plettenberg also stated that "Kim Min-jae is not regarded as an 'untouchable' player at Bayern," adding, "If Kim Min-jae leaves, Bayern will reinvest the money. Otherwise, they plan to go into next season with Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, Ito Hiroki, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanisic as center-back options. Kim Min-jae's contract runs until 2028."
'Bild' in Germany also reported that Bayern would not stand in the way of a transfer if they could recoup the 50 million euros they invested in Kim Min-jae two years ago. The media claimed, "Kim Min-jae's buyout amount is 110 million euros (about 180.3 billion won). However, he can be sold for just 50 million euros."
The main reason Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae is due to mistakes made during games. He recently allowed a goal after losing sight of the opposing striker during the 'Der Klassiker' against Dortmund, and failed to prevent a goal against Inter Milan in the UCL quarter-finals despite competing for a header against Benjamin Pavard.
While it's harsh to place all the blame on Kim Min-jae, it seems trust in him has been shaken in Germany. Sky Sports noted that "Due to the mistake-filled performances shown by Kim Min-jae in recent weeks and months, he is no longer considered an unsellable asset," and further reported that "After spending two years in the red and white uniform, Kim Min-jae may leave the team this coming summer."
However, Kim Min-jae also has his own reasons. He has been complaining of Achilles pain since last October but has hardly been able to rest and has been overworked. Additionally, last month he had to return to the starting lineup without properly recovering from injuries as his fellow defenders were succumbing to injuries. He was unable to rest even when getting a cold.
Kim Min-jae has now become an 'icon of overwork.' The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) also highlighted that ahead of the Inter match, "Kim Min-jae has been suffering from Achilles tendinopathy since the beginning of the season. It's an overload injury related to excessive playing time. He has played around 55 matches this season, alternating between club and national team. According to predictive systems, he could exceed 70 matches by the end of the season, which is the highest in the world."
Perhaps because of this, Kim Min-jae's popularity remains high. If he manages his physical condition well, there are expectations that he can replicate his performances from his time at Napoli. According to French 'Foot Mercato' and Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea, Newcastle, and the top Serie A club Juventus are all interested in signing Kim Min-jae.
Newcastle Tunes warmly welcomed the rumors of signing Kim Min-jae. The media stated, "While a return to Serie A cannot be excluded, Kim Min-jae's priority is believed to be a PL transfer. Newcastle sees him as a key player who can bolster their defense, which has struggled with injuries and lack of depth throughout the season."
Furthermore, Newcastle Tunes mentioned that "In the absence of both captain Jamaal Lascelles and starting defender Sven Botman due to long-term knee injuries, manager Eddie Howe needs experience and stamina. Kim Min-jae possesses both in abundance," adding, "Center-back is the top priority position for Newcastle to reinforce in the upcoming season. Kim Min-jae's transfer to Newcastle could be one of the major news items of the summer, especially if Bayern is willing to accept an offer."
The fact that manager Howe primarily utilizes strong front pressing and direct long passes from the Chonbang also suits Kim Min-jae perfectly. Newcastle Tunes also added, "At 190 cm, Kim Min-jae will provide composure, excellent aerial ability, and elite-level experience from Serie A and the Bundesliga. He is comfortable playing from the back and can showcase his skills at a high defensive line. He fits perfectly into Howe's system, and Newcastle is again ready to support Howe financially. Whether through a loan or a full acquisition, ideas for Kim Min-jae's transfer are gaining momentum."
Kim Min-jae is also reportedly dreaming of a new challenge in the PL. Foot Mercato explained that "A Serie A club has also expressed interest in Kim Min-jae. He is contracted with Bayern until 2028, but he now prefers to move to a new league. According to sources, the PL is his most preferred option."
Chronicle Live mentioned that Newcastle has highlighted the qualification for next season's UCL as a condition to win the competition against Chelsea. The media stated, "Kim Min-jae is open to a move to St. James' Park (Newcastle's home ground), but he is already starting for one of the elite clubs in Europe. Newcastle will need to secure Champions League qualification to seize the opportunity to sign him."
It was further noted that "Kim Min-jae has a buyout clause of 110 million euros (about 178.5 billion won), making him one of the most expensive defenders in the world. However, in reality, Bayern would accept offers much lower than that," stating that "Bayern paid a reasonable amount of 50 million euros to sign Kim Min-jae in 2023. His current market value is approximately 45 million euros (about 73 billion won), and similar offers to what was paid two years ago are likely."
For Kim Min-jae, who is receiving attention from both Chelsea and Newcastle, there is no urgency. Since both teams are engaged in a fierce battle for UCL tickets, he can choose his destination after results are determined. Juventus also has uncertain chances of UCL qualification for the next season. If only one of the two teams secures a spot in the UCL, it could have an advantage in the battle for Kim Min-jae's signature.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (No unauthorized reproduction or redistribution), Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich, FIFPro, 365 Scores social media.
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