Newcastle United wants to acquire 'monster defender' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) once again. Local media in England are also welcoming the idea, stating that Kim Min-jae would be a perfect signing.

British media 'Newcastle Tunes' reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Newcastle is pushing to sign the Bayern Munich star who agreed to a Premier League (PL) transfer for €50 million (about 82 billion won). They have contacted Kim Min-jae's agent ahead of a potential summer transfer."

The media noted that "Newcastle is looking to reinforce its defense again and could sign a proven European star. According to Spain's 'Pichajes', Kim Min-jae is ready to leave Bayern Munich this summer, and 'Mac Pie' (the nickname for Newcastle) has already been making moves behind the scenes."

Furthermore, Newcastle Tunes stated, "After a sensational performance at Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, Kim Min-jae has emerged as one of the most popular defenders in the world. He played a crucial role in Napoli's historic Serie A title win, and Bayern activated his €50 million buyout clause just one season ago. However, despite scoring 3 goals in 42 matches for Bayern this season, Kim Min-jae may already be ready for a new chapter."

Kim Min-jae has recently seen his position at Bayern shaky. He received much praise for his revival under newly appointed coach Vincent Kompany through the midpoint of the season, solidifying Bayern's defense alongside Dayot Upamecano.

However, issues arose after consecutive overexertions. Kim Min-jae has been complaining of Achilles pain since October but has hardly had any time to rest. Additionally, with fellow defenders succumbing to injuries last month, he was forced to return as a starter without sufficient time to recover from his injuries. There were concerns from the German media about his physical condition, but he could not take a break.

Ultimately, Kim Min-jae played through a cold and made consecutive mistakes that led to goals. It all began on the 13th against Dortmund, where he started as a starter. In the first half, he successfully shut down the opponent's attacks, but three minutes into the second half, he lost track of Maximilian Bayer, allowing a header goal. Missing the position of Bayer as the cross dropped was critical.

As a result, criticism directed at Kim Min-jae poured in. Bayern director Max Eberl said, "It was a mistake. Kim Min-jae lost track of the opponent. Until that point, he was having a very good game against Seru Girasi. But he must know about the conceded goal." He publicly pointed out, "Kim Min-jae, like all players at the end of the season, is not 100 percent fit. However, that doesn't mean we can't field him."

Kim Min-jae also left regrets in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarterfinal second leg against Inter Milan on the 17th. He lost a header duel with Benjamin Pavard while defending a corner kick, leading to a goal. Ultimately, Bayern was eliminated from the tournament, and once again, the blame fell on Kim Min-jae.

Now, there are shocking stories that Bayern is considering selling Kim Min-jae. Previously, 'Sky Sports Germany' reported, "Bayern is open to offers! Kim Min-jae can leave," adding, "Kim Min-jae is no longer a player Bayern cannot sell. If a proposal commensurate with his value comes in, Bayern is willing to talk."

The media said, "There are too many mistakes, and too little of the 'defensive monster' aspect. According to our information, Bayern's Kim Min-jae is not an impossible player to transfer this summer," and added, "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 signing could occur for a high amount. One of the candidates is Howsung."

Florian Plettenberg reported, "Kim Min-jae is not considered an 'untouchable' player at Bayern," explaining, "If Kim Min-jae leaves, Bayern will reinvest that money. Otherwise, they plan for next season with Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanisic as center-back options. Kim Min-jae's contract lasts until 2028."

As Kim Min-jae also provided the opportunity for a goal in the Inter match, transfer rumors became more concrete. Now, even the names of teams wanting him have been mentioned. According to France's 'Foot Mercato' and Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea and Newcastle, as well as Serie A giants Juventus, are targeting Kim Min-jae.

Sky Sports Germany stated, "Bayern's poor defense was a decisive factor in the German league's top-scoring team being eliminated in the UCL quarterfinals. Therefore, the board is looking for a new defensive leader. Renegotiations for Upamecano are stalled, and Kim Min-jae could leave."

The media reported, "Due to the error-prone performances shown by Kim Min-jae in recent weeks and months, he has become no longer an unsellable resource." It added, "After spending two years in the red and white uniform, Kim Min-jae may leave the team this coming summer. It seems there are suitors for him, including Chelsea, Newcastle, and Juventus."

German 'Bild' reported that Bayern would not block a transfer if they could recover the €50 million they invested in Kim Min-jae two years ago. The media claimed, "Kim Min-jae's buyout amount is €110 million (about 180.3 billion won). However, they can sell him for just €50 million."

For Kim Min-jae, it might be a better choice to seek a new challenge in England rather than continue to suffer from excessive criticism in Germany. He has been shouldering too many matches, especially as teammates have collapsed due to injuries. Recently, he has been reported to have played with Achilles tendinitis, a sore throat and cough due to cold symptoms, as well as back pain.

Nevertheless, there is a prevailing sentiment in Germany that Kim Min-jae's injuries cannot be used as an excuse. Director Eberl remarked, "It was not dangerous for Kim Min-jae's health. I don't want to exaggerate the issue. Of course, he had his problems. He could not adequately train. But we needed him," reiterating his stance on the overexertion controversy.

In the midst of this situation, the rumors of a transfer to Newcastle are gaining momentum. Newcastle Tunes welcomed the news of acquiring Kim Min-jae with open arms. The media reported, "A return to Serie A is not ruled out, but Kim Min-jae's priority is known to be a PL transfer. Newcastle sees him as an important player who can reinforce their defensive line, which has struggled throughout the season due to injuries and lack of depth."

In addition, Newcastle Tunes noted, "With captain Jamaal Lascelles and starting defender Sven Botman both missing due to long-term knee injuries, coach Eddie Howe needs experience and strength. Kim Min-jae possesses both abundantly," and stated, "Center-back is the top priority position for Newcastle's reinforcement for the upcoming season. If Kim Min-jae transfers to Newcastle, particularly if Bayern is willing to accept offers, it could become one of the major news stories of the summer."

The fact that Newcastle utilizes strong front pressing and direct long passes also fits Kim Min-jae perfectly. Newcastle Tunes welcomed this by mentioning, "At 190cm, Kim Min-jae provides calmness, excellent aerial duels, and elite-level experience through Serie A and Bundesliga. He can play comfortably from the back while showcasing his skills at a high defensive line, perfectly fitting Howe's system."

The media continued, "After a season of frustration, Newcastle is financially ready to support Howe again. Kim Min-jae's market value remains high; however, if Bayern only intends to recover €50 million, Newcastle is expected to enter negotiations. Whether it is a loan deal or a full transfer, ideas for Kim Min-jae's transfer to Newcastle are gaining speed." As Newcastle is backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), transfer fees are unlikely to be a significant obstacle.

Kim Min-jae is also reportedly leaning toward the PL challenge. Foot Mercato explained, "A Serie A club has also expressed interest in Kim Min-jae. He is contracted with Bayern until 2028, but he prefers a move to a new league now. According to what I've gathered, the PL is his most favored option."

As Kim Min-jae is attracting interest from both Chelsea and Newcastle, he has no urgency. The two teams are fiercely competing for a spot in next season's UCL, so he can choose his destination after the results are finalized. Currently, Newcastle is slightly ahead of Chelsea with 59 points to Chelsea's 57.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Bayern Munich, 365 Scores social media.

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