Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is again emerging as a central figure in the European transfer market. Until mid-season, Kim Min-jae had declared his intention to stay.
Bild's Christian Falk noted in a podcast on the 14th (Korean time) that "Kim Min-jae is no longer confident about staying at Bayern Munich." He added, "Kim Min-jae is considering leaving the club if an attractive offer arrives," providing insight into the specific atmosphere.
This change is not just a simple guess. Just 2-3 weeks ago, Kim Min-jae expressed his determination to remain with the team, saying, "I have no reason to leave. I want to prepare for next season in good health." However, as transfer rumors continued and his internal position changed, it appears that there have been subtle cracks in his stance.
The background to the consideration of different options than before involves multiple factors. The biggest variable has been the physical pain and external criticism that have persisted since the latter part of the season. Despite experiencing issues with his Achilles tendon, Kim Min-jae insisted on playing. However, as a result, mistakes occurred in some matches, which brought sharp evaluations from fans and the media.
Local reactions in Germany have been mixed. While there are views praising Kim Min-jae's dedication despite injury, criticisms for not meeting expectations coexist. During this process, analyses suggest that Kim Min-jae's mental fatigue has also accumulated. Falk stated, "Kim Min-jae tends to take external evaluations very seriously," adding that he has shown sensitivity to external reactions.
As internal and external conditions became tangled, prominent Italian clubs began to take action. Particularly, Juventus is directly pushing for a re-acquisition of Kim Min-jae, having originally signed him during his time at Napoli by Director General Cristiano Giuntoli.
Italian media quoted that "Director General Giuntoli has expressed a willingness to compete with Inter Milan for the signing of Kim Min-jae."
Inter Milan is also reportedly in contact with Kim Min-jae's side. Serie A clubs, which vividly remember his performance leading Napoli to win the league in the 2022-2023 season, have entered the competition for Kim Min-jae. This is being interpreted not as mere interest, but as a signal of a serious recruitment battle.
Currently, the key to the transfer negotiations is the "price." Bild reported that "Bayern is seeking a transfer fee of at least €50 million (about 82 billion won) for Kim Min-jae." On the other hand, Italian clubs are prepared to initiate negotiations at around €40 million (about 63.3 billion won). Narrowing the price gap is expected to be the key to the negotiations.
Kim Min-jae made the move from Napoli to Bayern last summer, elevating himself to the ranks of top defenders in Europe. Notably, in the first half of the season, he showcased the most stable defense in the league and significantly contributed to the team's lead. However, his decline after mid-season and tactical changes within Munich have shaken his position.
Ultimately, Kim Min-jae's choice is not merely about staying or transferring. It seems that the criteria for his decision will hinge on whether he can be part of a project where he is central and whether the environment allows him to fully exhibit his abilities. There are already multiple teams, beyond Italy, showing interest in Kim Min-jae, and as the summer transfer market intensifies, the possibility of receiving more offers cannot be ruled out.
Kim Min-jae remains a high-value defensive resource on the European stage. With the ability to perform as a starter on any team, all eyes in European football are on whether he will choose to stay at Bayern or pursue a new challenge.
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