Concerns from the medical team regarding Kim Min-jae (28, Bayern Munich) have emerged.
'TZ' reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "sports medicine specialist Dr. Milan Dinic pointed out that Kim Min-jae is suffering from Achilles tendonitis," noting, "This injury has resulted in his shaky performance in the second half. Bayern Munich needs to make changes."
European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported on the 23rd via his social media that "Kim Min-jae could leave the team this summer if there is a satisfactory offer for both him and Bayern Munich. He is no longer 'untouchable.' Major European clubs are aware of this situation, and Saudi Pro League clubs are also exploring the possibility of signing him."
This statement, which is effectively interpreted as Bayern excluding Kim Min-jae from the 'NFS (Not For Sale)' list, has already shaken Europe. With Juventus, Chelsea, and Newcastle United considering him a top priority for summer reinforcement, the interest from Saudi clubs is significant.
According to local media, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth funds, have emerged as strong candidates. For Kim Min-jae, transferring to Saudi Arabia could present a practical allure, as he could enjoy a high salary in a relatively quiet environment after achieving success on the Asian stage and ascending to Europe’s elite.
The rapid surge in Kim Min-jae's transfer rumors is attributed to his poor performance amid a heavy schedule. He was directly involved in conceding goals during matches against Borussia Dortmund and in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Inter Milan, and he could not escape criticism from the German press. The German outlet 'Bild' reported that Kim Min-jae's market value is set at €50 million (approximately 81 billion won).
These criticisms are not solely Kim Min-jae’s personal issues. Despite frequent injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, knee and back pain, and pharyngitis, he has participated in 42 out of Bayern's 47 matches. In terms of playing time, he ranks second on the team after Joshua Kimmich. The fact that he has played more than attacking players such as Jamal Musiala, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise shows that Kim Min-jae remains a key resource for the team.
The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) has also expressed concerns over the overuse of Kim Min-jae, stating that "a system is needed to protect players." Kim Min-jae's standing in Europe remains solid. Newcastle has prioritized strengthening its center backs due to aging defenders and frequent injuries, with reports indicating that Kim Min-jae is at the top of their list.
Chelsea had also considered Kim Min-jae as part of a long-term project alongside Bournemouth's Dean Harrison, but it has been reported that their stance has changed recently. Juventus is holding negotiations due to the lukewarm response from Kim Min-jae's camp regarding a return to Serie A. Nevertheless, Kim Min-jae's camp has not engaged in formal negotiations as the season is still underway.
A decision is expected to be made around the time of the upcoming summer transfer market opening. Bayern is still in the Bundesliga championship race, and Kim Min-jae is known as a player with a strong sense of responsibility towards the team. In this context, there is a high likelihood that Kim Min-jae will be observing the approaches from other clubs in the summer transfer market.
'TZ' stated, "Kim Min-jae is close to leaving Bayern. He is not living up to his transfer fee. He continues to make frequent mistakes, ultimately making him a candidate for sale. The board believes they have made too many mistakes." It was explained that "Saudi Arabia wants him, but he is also popular within Europe."
The outlet emphasized, "From Bayern's perspective, that doesn’t mean they are willing to sell Kim Min-jae unconditionally. They will only sell if a good offer comes in. The baseline is to recover the transfer fee they incurred when signing him." It added that "Ultimately, Kim Min-jae's future depends on what offers European teams present."
Concerns are growing regarding Bayern's overuse of players. Dinic emphasized, "Kim Min-jae is being overworked under the management of Coach Kompany. His performance has declined due to playing in important matches throughout the season. He couldn't even take time to recover despite suffering from Achilles tendonitis."
Dr. Dinic expressed concern, stating, "While it's good for a team that players help even when they are injured, it is meaningless to excessively utilize their bodies while ignoring warning signs regarding health. It could rather worsen the pain and prolong the recovery time. Kim Min-jae's recent shaky performance is also a health issue. Achilles tendonitis must be painful, preventing those suffering from it from jumping high."
He further emphasized, "Kim Min-jae needs to focus on recovery through physical therapy for treatment. If he keeps playing, it could lead to long-term damage and complications. Intense changes in direction and jumping in football can put greater strain on the Achilles tendon. If not careful, it could even lead to a rupture."
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