Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) appears to have a firm stance on his sale by Bayern Munich. There are many rumors about his next destination.
Florian Plettenberg, a reporter for Germany's Sky Sports, noted on the 26th (Korean time) that "Kim Min-jae does not rule out a transfer this summer, but no final decision has been made yet. It will depend on attractive offers and clubs," adding, "Bayern is ready to receive offers. Juventus Director General Cristiano Giuntoli is still monitoring Kim Min-jae. Chelsea has also shown interest, but they are currently focused on the acquisition of Dean Huysens. Additionally, several clubs are showing interest in Kim Min-jae."
Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae just two years after acquiring him from Napoli in the summer of 2023.
Bild also reported that Bayern would not block a transfer if they could recover the €50 million (about 81.4 billion won) they invested two years ago to acquire Kim Min-jae. Nevertheless, it claimed, "Kim Min-jae's buyout amount is €110 million (about 180.3 billion won). However, they could sell him for only €50 million (about 81.7 billion won)."
The biggest reason Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae is his frequent mistakes at crucial moments. Recently, Kim Min-jae allowed a goal by failing to track an opposing attacker in the 'Der Klassiker' against Dortmund, and he was unable to prevent a goal during a header duel with Benjamin Pavard in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Inter Milan on the 17th.
Of course, it would be harsh to blame only Kim Min-jae, but trust in him appears to have waned in Germany.
Bayern is already looking for a new defensive leader to replace Kim Min-jae, whose standing has diminished, alongside Dayot Upamecano, who is struggling with contract renewal. They seem to be considering bringing in a new top defender using the transfer fee generated from selling Kim Min-jae. Sky Sports reported, "If Kim Min-jae leaves, a new acquisition could occur for a high price. One candidate is Dean Huysens (Bournemouth)."
European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano linked Kim Min-jae with the Saudi Arabian league.
He stated on his YouTube channel on the 24th, "Kim Min-jae is having a poor season. To be honest, Bayern has been suffering from defensive injuries, and he has had to play at times with a poor physical condition. Considering these points, the evaluation of the player should be made. However, Kim Min-jae receives a significantly high salary at Bayern. His transfer fee is not that high, but the salary scale is quite substantial. This could be an issue for European teams. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is ready to match Kim Min-jae's salary. They might even offer a larger amount."
Kim Min-jae faces a dilemma between money and the European stage.
Romano emphasized, "Kim Min-jae must decide whether to take a pay cut to continue his life in Europe or to go to Saudi Arabia. Let's see what happens. Of course, Bayern must also receive a satisfactory offer. However, the possibility of Kim Min-jae leaving Bayern is indeed quite concrete."
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