Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) has once again found himself at the center of attention in the summer transfer market. The time is approaching for him to decide whether to insist on staying at Bayern Munich or to embark on a new challenge.

Bild's Christian Falk noted on the 23rd (Korean time) that "in the summer of 2024, Kim Min-jae received offers from Manchester United and a club in Saudi Arabia," adding, "However, Kim chose to compete for a starting position at Bayern Munich and rejected all offers."

Manchester United urgently sought to strengthen its central defense due to the departure of Raphael Varane and the uncertain future of Harry Maguire. Kim Min-jae emerged as the club's top target, consistently proving his value in the European top five leagues while at Bayern Munich.

However, Kim Min-jae demonstrated a firm desire to "prove himself at Bayern Munich," and Manchester United ultimately shifted direction with the acquisition of De Ligt.

Kim Min-jae also rejected transfer rumors at the end of the season. He vowed through his YouTube channel to aim for a spot in the Bundesliga Best XI and expressed his determination to secure a starting position at Bayern Munich.

The situation changed after the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel. Under new manager Vincent Kompany, Kim Min-jae was appointed as a key player in the defense, showcasing a "monster" defensive performance throughout the first half of the season.

However, the situation worsened in the second half of the season. Achilles tendon pain, which had persisted since October last year, weighed heavily on Kim Min-jae's body. He also abandoned his call-up for the national team in March to focus on recovery, but he played on in a less than optimal condition due to the impact of injuries in the Bayern Munich defense. Coupled with ongoing throat and back pain, he was unable to showcase his best performance.

He dedicated himself to the team, but the results were disappointing. Issues with goals conceded across the defense, early elimination from the UEFA Champions League, and mistakes in crucial moments combined to make Kim Min-jae the target of criticism.

Director General Max Eberl pointed out the goals conceded due to Kim Min-jae's declining condition, despite Manager Kompany's strong support for him. Local media, including Sky Germany, reported that “Kim Min-jae is not an irreplaceable player,” pointing out that Bayern Munich would consider selling him if a reasonable offer is made.

Now, Kim Min-jae has once again found himself at the center of the transfer market. According to local reports, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Juventus are closely monitoring Kim Min-jae's situation, and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also showing continued interest.

The issue is his salary. Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano said, "Kim Min-jae currently falls into the high salary bracket within Bayern Munich," adding, "Most clubs in Europe find it difficult to afford this salary. A salary reduction will be essential for a transfer to take place."

Bayern Munich also has no intention of letting Kim Min-jae go easily. The club is reportedly not considering a transfer unless they receive an offer of at least €50 million (approximately 81.5 billion won). Kim Min-jae's contract runs until 2028, so there is no urgency from the club's perspective.

There remains a possibility for a rebound. If he recovers his condition and continues to manage his body thoroughly, Kim Min-jae could become a central figure in the Bayern Munich defense once again. Above all, he has not hidden his desire to continue his career on both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League stages.

However, the ongoing transfer rumors reported by German media and comments from Director General Max Eberl could present significant concerns for Kim Min-jae.

Last summer, Kim Min-jae rejected all flashy offers and chose to compete for a starting position at Bayern Munich. However, now that a year has passed, it is difficult to say that the decision was a complete success. The choice Kim Min-jae makes this summer is expected to be a significant turning point that will influence his career.

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