Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has entered the transfer market, but there are no worries. He is popular in Serie A, where he excelled two years ago, and in the Premier League as well. The evaluation that 50 million euros (about 81.2 billion won) is a 'bargain sale' has even been made.
The English 'Newcastle Tunes' reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Newcastle is pushing to sign the Bayern Munich star who agreed to transfer to the Premier League for 50 million euros. They have contacted Kim Min-jae's agent ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The media noted that "Newcastle is once again looking for defensive reinforcements and may sign a proven European star. According to Spain's 'Pichajes,' Kim Min-jae is prepared to leave Bayern Munich this summer, and 'Magpies' are already moving behind the scenes."
Additionally, Newcastle Tunes added, "After Kim Min-jae's sensational performance at Napoli during the 2022-2023 season, he has emerged as one of the most popular defenders in the world. He played a crucial role in Napoli's historic Serie A victory, and Bayern activated a 50 million euro 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 to embark on a new chapter."
'Chronicle Live,' which covers Newcastle news, also stated, "According to German reports, Newcastle is closely monitoring the situation surrounding Kim Min-jae, and rumors are growing that he is on the verge of a summer transfer. He has played as a key player for Bayern this season. Kim Min-jae is expected to seek new challenges outside the Bundesliga, and the Magpies have expressed interest."
Reports have emerged that Kim Min-jae may leave Bayern this summer. On the 15th, 'Sky Sports Germany' stated, "Bayern is open to offers! Kim Min-jae can leave." They added, "Kim Min-jae is no longer an untouchable player at Bayern. If an offer that matches his value comes in, Bayern is willing to engage in dialogue."
Florian Plettenberg also commented, "Kim Min-jae is not regarded as an 'untouchable' player at Bayern," and noted, "If Kim Min-jae leaves, Bayern will reinvest that money. Otherwise, they are planning for next season with Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanišić as center-back options. Kim Min-jae's contract extends until 2028."
German 'Bild' also reported that Bayern would not block a transfer if they could recover the 50 million euros they invested two years ago to sign Kim Min-jae. 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."
European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano also reinforced the idea of Kim Min-jae's transfer. He revealed on his social media, "Kim Min-jae could leave Bayern this summer. This is a real possibility!" Bayern is reportedly already seeking a new defensive leader.
Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae, but many clubs are still calling for him. Given that Kim Min-jae has been heavily worked since last season, there are expectations that he could perform like he did during his time at Napoli if he is in good condition. According to 'Foot Mercato' and Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea, Newcastle, and even Serie A's top club Juventus want Kim Min-jae.
Newcastle Tunes welcomed the transfer speculation about Kim Min-jae with open arms. The media stated, "Manager Eddie Howe needs both experience and stamina, as Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are both absent due to long-term knee injuries. Kim Min-jae possesses both in abundance," and emphasized, "Center-back is Newcastle's top priority for reinforcements. Kim Min-jae's transfer to Newcastle could be one of the major stories of the summer."
The fact that Manager Howe employs powerful Chonbang pressing and direct long passes from the back also suits Kim Min-jae perfectly. Newcastle Tunes added, "At 190 cm, Kim Min-jae offers calmness, excellent aerial duels, and elite-level experience through Serie A and the Bundesliga. He can play comfortably from the back and showcase his skills with a high defensive line. He fits perfectly into Howe's system," and noted, "Newcastle is again ready to financially support Howe. Whether through a loan or a full transfer, ideas about Kim Min-jae's transfer are gaining momentum."
'Fotbol' also stated, "Newcastle will do everything possible to solve their defensive issues, having missed out on Marc Guéhi last summer," noting, "While Kim Min-jae may not excite like a successful bid for Guéhi worth 70 million pounds (about 132.8 billion won), it could still be a smart signing."
The media continued, "If Bayern publicly demands 50 million euros for Kim Min-jae's market value, it's very likely that they considered the possibility of losing potential bidders. This suggests that Newcastle could acquire Kim Min-jae for a steal through smart negotiations."
The name of Matthijs de Ligt, a former colleague of Kim Min-jae, was also mentioned. He joined Manchester United after leaving Bayern last summer and has been performing as a starting center-back. Fotbol pointed out, "Just because center-back reputations have declined at Bayern doesn't mean they can't start in England, as de Ligt has shown at Manchester United," and viewed Kim Min-jae's potential transfer to Newcastle positively.
Kim Min-jae is also reported to be dreaming of a new challenge in the Premier League rather than a return to Serie A. However, for Newcastle to win the competition against other teams, securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season is expected to be crucial. 'Chronicle Live' argued, "Kim Min-jae is open to a transfer to St. James' Park, but he is already starting for one of Europe's elite clubs. Newcastle must secure a UCL qualification to have a chance at signing him."
If Kim Min-jae dons a Newcastle jersey, concerns about being overworked like at Bayern will be reduced. Currently, Newcastle has only four specialized center-backs: Botman, Lascelles, Dan Burn, and Fabian Schär. With Kim Min-jae joining, that number will increase to five.
In contrast, Bayern is competing this season with only three specialized center-backs. Apart from Kim Min-jae and Upamecano, there is only the slow Eric Dier, who has fallen out of favor. Left-back Hiroki Ito was also expected to be a multi-role asset, but he could not help the team due to three metatarsal fractures.
As a result, Kim Min-jae has become an 'icon of overwork.' He has suffered from Achilles tendinitis since last October but has hardly been able to rest. The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) recently highlighted, before the Inter match, Kim Min-jae as 'the growing vortex of overwork,' stating, "Kim Min-jae has been playing since the beginning of the season while suffering from Achilles tendinitis. It is an overload injury related to excessive participation."
Moreover, FIFPro emphasized, "This season, Kim Min-jae has played approximately 55 matches combined for his club and national team. Predictive systems indicate that he could be on the pitch for over 70 matches by the end of the season, the highest in the world. In particular, he played 20 matches in winter alone, averaging two matches per week, with an average gap between matches of just 3.7 days. He also traveled long distances 20 times, covering a distance of 74,000 km."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich, FIFPro, 365 Scores social media.
[OSEN]