Newcastle United, seeking to strengthen its defense, has pinpointed Min-jae Kim (29, Bayern Munich). However, it is expected that fierce competition with Premier League rival Chelsea cannot be avoided.
The British outlet 'Newcastle Tunes' reported on the 24th (Korean time) that "Chelsea and Newcastle are ready to face off for Bayern Munich star Min-jae Kim. The two teams are now directly competing to acquire the Korean national representative, Min-jae Kim, and Bayern is ready to sell him."
The media noted that "Bayern is preparing to overhaul its defense this summer. Bundesliga heavyweights could let Min-jae Kim go just two years after acquiring him from Napoli. This decision has sparked immediate interest in the Premier League, where Chelsea and Newcastle are leading the race to sign him."
Newcastle Tunes also added that "Min-jae Kim has had a mixed season in Germany. Despite playing 42 matches this season and scoring three goals, he has not completely convinced the coaching staff. As Bayern seeks to overhaul its defense, and the player himself is open to new challenges, the likelihood of a summer transfer is increasing."
Min-jae Kim has been embroiled in transfer rumors ahead of the summer transfer window. On the 15th, 'Sky Sports Germany' reported that "Bayern is open to offers! Min-jae Kim can leave," and that "Min-jae Kim is no longer a player that Bayern cannot sell. If a proposal matching his value comes, Bayern is willing to engage in discussions."
Journalist Florian Plettenberg also said, "Min-jae Kim is not considered an 'untouchable' player at Bayern. If Min-jae Kim leaves, Bayern will reinvest that money. Otherwise, Bayern is planning for next season with Min-jae Kim, Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, Eric Dier, and Josip Stanisic as center-back options. Min-jae Kim's contract extends until 2028."
'Bild' in Germany also reported that if Bayern can recoup the €50 million it invested to sign Min-jae Kim two years ago, it will not block a transfer. The media claimed that "Min-jae Kim's buyout amount is €110 million (approximately 180.3 billion won). However, it can be sold for just €50 million."
European football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also bolstered the rumors of Min-jae Kim's transfer. He stated on his social media that "Min-jae Kim could leave Bayern this summer. This is a tangible possibility!" and added that "Min-jae Kim is not an 'untouchable' player. Several European clubs are aware of this situation. Saudi Arabian teams have also started inquiring about Min-jae Kim."
The biggest reason Bayern is considering parting ways with Min-jae Kim is the mistakes made during matches. He recently allowed a goal by missing an opposing striker's movement during the 'Der Klassiker' against Dortmund and failed to stop a goal in header challenges against Benjamin Pavard in the second leg of the UCL quarterfinals against Inter Milan.
Of course, it would be harsh to blame only Min-jae Kim, but it seems that trust in him has been shaken in Germany. Sky Sports stated that "Min-jae Kim has become a sellable asset again due to the mistake-ridden performances he has shown in recent weeks and months." and added that "Min-jae Kim, after spending two years in the red and white uniform, may leave the team next summer."
Bayern is looking for a new defensive leader to replace Upamecano, who is struggling with contract negotiations, and Min-jae Kim, who has seen his standing reduced. The idea is to bring in a new major defender with the transfer fee gained from selling Min-jae Kim.
Sky Sports reported that "there are too many mistakes, and the appearance of 'defensive monsters' is too little. According to our sources, Bayern's Min-jae Kim is not an impossible player to transfer this summer," and that "Bayern is open to offers for Min-jae Kim. However, it is not actively pursuing a sale. If Min-jae Kim leaves, it is expected that a new acquisition will be made at a high price. One of the candidates is Dean Henderson (Bournemouth)."
Bayern is considering parting ways with Min-jae Kim, but there are still many places interested in him. Given that Min-jae Kim has been overworked since last season, it is believed that if he is in good condition, he can show the same performance he did during his time at Napoli. According to 'Foot Mercato' in France and Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Serie A's top club Juventus are all targeting Min-jae Kim.
Among these, Newcastle is pushing strongly to acquire Min-jae Kim. Backed by the oil money of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), Newcastle is experiencing a new golden age.
This season, Newcastle, under head coach Eddie Howe, lifted the League Cup trophy for the first time in the club's history. Newcastle is currently in fifth place in the Premier League and is competing for a spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) next season.
Newcastle Tunes stated that "the rumors of Min-jae Kim's transfer are heating up. Newcastle is actively looking for defensive reinforcements. The Magpies have struggled with injuries throughout the season. Securing a dominant figure like Min-jae Kim could solve several problems. He is known for his aerial dominance, tactical ability, and strong leadership. Coach Howe holds him in high regard."
Coach Howe's emphasis on strong Chonbang (front) pressing and direct long passes from the back suits Min-jae Kim perfectly. Newcastle Tunes added that "the 190 cm Min-jae Kim will provide calmness, excellent aerial battles, and elite-level experience. He can play comfortably from the back and showcase his skills on a high defensive line. It fits perfectly with Howe's system," and stated that "Newcastle is ready to financially support Howe again. Whether through a loan or a full transfer, ideas regarding Min-jae Kim's transfer are gaining momentum."
If Min-jae Kim dons the Newcastle jersey, the worries of being overworked like at Bayern will decrease. Currently, Newcastle has four specialized center-backs: Botman, Lascelles, Dan Burn, and Fabian Schär. With the addition of Min-jae Kim, there would be five.
However, Newcastle must win the competition against Chelsea to acquire Min-jae Kim. Newcastle Tunes noted that "Newcastle is not alone. Chelsea is also moving quickly and has reached out to Min-jae Kim's camp to explore potential moves. Chelsea urgently needs defensive stability after a highly fluctuating season and sees Min-jae Kim as a completed solution."
Additionally, the media reported that "Serie A clubs have shown interest in Min-jae Kim, but he is known to be very interested in moving to the Premier League. This has led Chelsea and Newcastle to directly compete to persuade the player. Both clubs have already contacted his camp, and with the summer transfer window approaching, follow-up actions are expected in the coming weeks."
For Min-jae Kim, it is not too late to choose after watching which of the two teams, currently competing for UCL qualification, emerges as the winner. Newcastle Tunes added that "Newcastle offers Min-jae Kim a chance to be a starter and lead a rising team. Chelsea's allure of London and a team reconstruction with significant investment under a new coach can be tempting. In any case, Min-jae Kim's future is expected to be one of the biggest stories of the upcoming summer."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich, 365 Scores social media.
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