Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has finally shown warning signs after a series of tough matches.
On the 26th (Korean time), Kim Min-jae was substituted after only playing the first half in the Bundesliga 31st round match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 (3-0 win). Various speculations arose after his unexpected early substitution, but the reason was clear.
Germany's Bild reported on the 27th that Christoph Freund, Bayern Munich's sports director, noted, "Kim Min-jae felt pain in his Achilles again. We did not want to take any risks."
The problem is that this injury is not new. Kim Min-jae has been playing with an Achilles injury for over six months since the match against Eintracht Frankfurt last October (3-3 draw).
In fact, he could not rest during a time when he needed to due to team circumstances. With key defenders such as Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito sidelined, coach Vincent Kompany had no choice but to keep using Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae also chose to endure the pain for the good of the team.
The cost has been severe. The effects of the injury have been evident in Kim Min-jae's performance. The image of him being regarded as the 'best defender in Serie A' during his time at SSC Napoli has faded, and he left a disappointing mark with a critical mistake in the recent Champions League quarterfinal match against Inter Milan.
Both the club internally and Kim Min-jae's camp are taking the deterioration of this injury seriously. According to Bild, Bayern executives are preparing to allow a transfer this summer if a suitable offer comes in, as Kim Min-jae continues to struggle without getting a chance to recover. Kim Min-jae's market value is currently estimated at approximately €45 million (about 73.7 billion won).
The issue is that Kim Min-jae does not have much time to recover. Given his physically strained condition, it is difficult to expect him to regain his form, and if opportunities decrease, his position could quickly become unstable. The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal for his future at Bayern.
Meanwhile, the British outlet Football Insider reported on the 27th that "Newcastle United is in full pursuit of acquiring Kim Min-jae."
According to this outlet, Newcastle is looking to acquire Kim Min-jae with a transfer fee set at around £40 million (about 76.5 billion won). Despite financial constraints, Newcastle is preparing for a Champions League challenge and sees Kim Min-jae, who possesses experience and competitiveness in big matches, as an ideal addition.
If Sven Botman and Kim Min-jae form a partnership, Newcastle's defense is expected to rise to top-tier level.
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