How much more could they possibly want amid injuries and exhaustion? There are reports that Bayern Munich is disappointed with 'monster' Kim Min-jae (29) and is preparing to sell him.

On the 15th (Korean time), Germany's TZ reported, "The Bayern board expected more. Kim Min-jae is now likely ready to leave Bayern."

The outlet noted, "Bayern plans to part ways with Kim Min-jae this summer. He is considered a potential sale candidate at the club. Kim Min-jae is facing an uncertain future at Bayern. According to 'Sport Bild', the heads of the Sabener Strasse (Bayern training center) are dissatisfied with the growth of the Korean center-back."

Bayern acquired Kim Min-jae, who led Napoli to the Serie A championship in the summer of 2023. Upon entering the big league, Kim Min-jae drew significant interest from numerous big clubs with his solid defense. Bayern activated a buyout clause worth €50 million (about 78.3 billion won) to bring him in, as he was considered a 'dream player' for coach Thomas Tuchel.

However, it appears that Bayern believes Kim Min-jae has not performed up to his transfer value. TZ added, "Bayern expected much more when they signed Kim Min-jae for €50 million two years ago. The reality so far has been harsh. This could result in a transfer this summer."

Kim Min-jae has dedicated himself more than anyone at Bayern this season. He has played 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes across all competitions, with 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This makes him the player with the second most playing time at Bayern, right after Joshua Kimmich.

In particular, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles tendon injury since October of last year while pushing through an exhausting schedule. Even in situations where he needed rest due to a series of injuries among his teammates, he continued to hold down the defense for Bayern. He has become an 'icon of overwork', raising concerns even among the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro).

Thanks to him, Bayern reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga championship trophy) that it lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae also became the first Korean player to win titles in two of Europe's top five leagues. After winning the Serie A title with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, he celebrated by lifting the trophy high during the championship ceremony held right after the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on the 11th.

However, it is uncertain whether Kim Min-jae will wear the Bayern jersey next season. Perhaps because he has pushed through injuries for so long, he has made more mistakes towards the end of the season, leading to a rise in criticism locally in Germany. As a result, reports from major outlets like 'Sky Sports' Germany, 'Bild', and 'Kicker' have emerged, indicating that Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae.

Now, Bayern has stated that they could sell Kim Min-jae if the right offer comes along. It is reported that they are looking for about €50 million (around 78.4 billion won), which they had paid to Napoli as a buyout amount two years ago.

There are a number of teams targeting Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle United, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs from Saudi Arabia have shown interest in him. In particular, Serie A clubs that are well aware of Kim Min-jae's performance during his time at Napoli are reportedly keen to sign him. Juventus also has Cristiano Giuntoli, the Director General who brought him to Napoli.

Despite that, Kim Min-jae has expressed his desire to stay at Bayern. In an interview about two weeks ago, he said, "There’s no reason to leave. I want to stay with the team. I’ve played through Achilles pain for the past seven months. My biggest goal is to get fit for next season and play healthily."

However, as rumors of Bayern considering parting ways continued, it seems Kim Min-jae’s mind has changed. A well-known journalist at Bild, Christian Falk, explained, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. He himself would not hesitate to leave if he receives an attractive offer. He keenly feels the criticism of his performance in Munich."

TZ also noted, "Kim Min-jae cannot avoid the fact that he has been frequently criticized in Munich recently. He has taken the internal and external feedback seriously. After having a good season in Serie A, he was viewed as a promising defensive leader for the future. However, he has so far not met expectations at Bayern. There have been too many mistakes, a lack of consistency, and recurring injury issues. Kim Min-jae has been continuously regressing."

Additionally, the outlet added, "Moreover, Bayern is generally dissatisfied with the defense. A major overhaul of the center defense is being prepared after Eric Dier moved to AS Monaco on a free transfer."

Currently, Kim Min-jae’s partner, Dayot Upamecano, is likely to re-sign with Bayern. If so, it increases the likelihood that Kim Min-jae will become the target of change. TZ reported, "Directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund see an urgent need for intervention. The current lineup of Kim Min-jae and Upamecano does not meet Bayern's high standards."

Currently, Bayern is targeting key defender Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen. Standing at 195 cm, he is set to become a free agent after this season. It is known that he has already announced his departure from Leverkusen and is closest to joining Bayern.

TZ explained, "A new defensive leader is at the top of the recruitment list. Jonathan Tah is considered the most likely candidate. As a member of the German national team, he can be signed as a free agent in the summer. He possesses the leadership, composure, and physical strength that have been lacking in Bayern recently."

Transfermarkt also predicted that Tah will replace Kim Min-jae next season. The outlet revealed Bayern's expected best XI for the 2025-2026 season, featuring Alphonso Davies, Tah, Upamecano, and Josip Stanišić in defense. Kim Min-jae’s name was nowhere to be found.

Now, once specific love calls for Kim Min-jae come through, the transfer is expected to move forward rapidly. TZ emphasized, "One thing is clear: Bayern finally wants to solve the center-back problem. The possibility of Kim Min-jae's departure is not ruled out at all. Rather, both the club and the player seem willing to have discussions. So far, there have been no suitable offers, but the summer transfer market has not yet started."

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Bayern Munich, FIFPro, 365 Scores, Chelsea Super Club, Transfermarkt social media.

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