If 'Iron Wall' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) makes up his mind, he could earn an annual salary of 60 billion won.
Kim Min-jae's transfer rumors are a hot topic. European football expert Fabrizio Romano noted on the 26th, "There is a very high possibility that Kim Min-jae will leave Bayern Munich this summer. Good conditions are coming in for both the club and the player. Several clubs in Europe are interested in Kim Min-jae's situation."
Having started his career in Korea, Kim Min-jae has played in China, Turkey, and Italy before entering Germany. Now there is also a high possibility that he could leave Europe for Saudi Arabia. Romano added, "Several clubs in Saudi Arabia are interested in signing Kim Min-jae."
There is also a possibility of moving to the Premier League. 'Bavarian Football Works' also gave weight to the Kim Min-jae transfer rumors. This outlet stated on the 28th, "Kim Min-jae is still one of the best defenders in the world, but due to a few mistakes, he is being treated like Harry Maguire. When the transfer market opens at the end of this season, clubs will be lining up to sign this player. Juventus in Italy and Chelsea and Newcastle in the Premier League are notable examples. Many teams are keeping an eye on Kim Min-jae's situation."
Will he continue his career in Europe, or will he choose astronomical money in his prime? If Kim Min-jae goes to Saudi Arabia, the highest-paid athlete in the history of Korean sports could be born. If the prime Kim Min-jae turns down transfer offers from big clubs in Europe, they will need to provide significant compensation.
'Bavarian Football Works' added, "Kim Min-jae's high wage demands are being accepted as a fact. If Kim Min-jae agrees to move to Saudi Arabia, everything makes sense. Saudi clubs have traditionally offered high wages to sign top European players. They also have the ability to pay significant transfer fees."
If Kim Min-jae wants money, there’s no reason to hesitate. Currently, the top five most expensive players in the world are all part of Saudi clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr) earned $215 million (approximately 310.6 billion won) last season just from his salary.
Kim Min-jae's comparison target is Kalidou Koulibaly (34, Al Hilal). Coincidentally, Koulibaly was the senior center-back who played at Napoli before Kim Min-jae arrived. In 2022, Koulibaly left for Chelsea, and Kim Min-jae filled that vacancy, leading Napoli to victory after 33 years.
Currently, Koulibaly's salary is £29,095,364 (approximately 55.12 billion won). Gwangju has an expenditure of 9.661 billion won for the 2024 season. If Kim Min-jae goes to Saudi Arabia, he could easily surpass Koulibaly's salary. Kim Min-jae can expect an annual salary of at least 60 billion won.
Could a Korean player become the first to earn more than 1 billion won per week? As of now, Kim Min-jae is the only one with that possibility.
[OSEN]