Bayern Munich is pursuing the sale of Kim Min-jae (29) after two seasons. The recruitment of his replacement is already in the final stages. Now, it seems there are plans to sell him even if it means lowering his transfer fee.
'Bavarian Football Works' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Bayern Munich is disappointed with Kim Min-jae. He appears to be a serious 'candidate for sale' in the summer transfer market."
The outlet noted, "Kim Min-jae had a significantly better first year than his second year at Bayern. This is not the desired direction. However, this season he is still playing despite the pain. Is that really important? Probably not in this cold business." It said that Bayern will dispose of Kim Min-jae.
Additionally, 'Bavarian Football Works' stated, "Bayern's acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah as a free agent is likely to determine Kim Min-jae's transfer. At 28 years old, he is a veteran, like Kim Min-jae, and they are the same age. If a transfer decision is made, he will be one of the few players capable of commanding a significant transfer fee," predicting that Tah could effectively replace Kim Min-jae.
Finally, the outlet remarked, "Bayern can target young center-backs or young right-backs depending on how they utilize Yosip Stanisic," while also stating, "However, Kim Min-jae has always played with all his heart. At least, I will not forget this fact. If this is where he ends with Bayern, it will be too much to miss."
Although Kim Min-jae has only been in a Bayern uniform for two years, transfer rumors are hot. He has been the most dedicated player at Bayern this season. He has played 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes across all competitions this season, appearing for 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This is the second-most playing time at Bayern after Joshua Kimmich.
In particular, since last October, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles injury while pushing through. He has not been able to rest properly due to teammates' constant injuries, yet he has continued to defend Bayern's backline. He has become an 'icon of overwork' to the extent that the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) expressed concern.
Thanks to him, Bayern has reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga trophy) that they lost to Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae has also become the first Korean player to conquer two of the top five European leagues.
However, it is uncertain whether Kim Min-jae will wear Bayern's uniform next season. It seems that due to his lengthy battle with injuries, he started to make frequent mistakes towards the end of the season, and criticism has increased in Germany as well. Reports from prominent outlets such as 'Sky Sports' Germany version and 'Bild', 'Kicker', indicate that Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae.
In fact, Kim Min-jae faced transfer rumors last summer as well. He lost the trust of coach Thomas Tuchel and became a benchwarmer during the latter half of last season. It was shocking that he lost his starting position to none other than Eric Dier, and rumors of a return to Serie A circulated. However, Kim Min-jae declared he would stay and fight for his place at Bayern.
This time, the trend is similar. About two weeks ago, Kim Min-jae drew a line on a transfer. He stated, "There is no reason to leave. I want to stay with the team. I have been battling through Achilles pain for the past seven months. My biggest goal is to get fit and healthy for next season."
However, as rumors persist that Bayern wants to let him go, it appears Kim Min-jae's feelings have changed. Christian Falk, a journalist for 'Bild', reported that "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates to be released this summer. If he receives an attractive offer, he wouldn't hesitate to leave the team. He has keenly felt the criticism of his performances in Munich."
There are many teams interested in Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle United, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs from Saudi Arabia are showing interest in him. In particular, Serie A clubs that are well aware of Kim Min-jae's performances during his time at Napoli are eager to sign him. At Juventus, there is Director General Cristiano Giuntoli, who brought him in during his Napoli days.
The next destination for Kim Min-jae is still unknown, but one thing is certain: Bayern has decided to part ways with him. According to Falk, Bayern's board had hoped for more when they acquired him for 50 million euros (about 78 billion won) from Napoli two years ago. They are dissatisfied with Kim Min-jae's development.
'TZ' in Germany reported that "Bayern plans to part ways with Kim Min-jae this summer. He is considered a potential candidate for sale at the club." It added, "Bayern had greater expectations when they signed Kim Min-jae for 50 million euros two years ago. The reality has been harsh so far, leading to a likely summer transfer."
Specific transfer fees have also been mentioned. According to Falk and journalist Tobi Altschäffl, Bayern expects to earn about 30 million euros (about 46.9 billion won) to 35 million euros (about 54.8 billion won) through Kim Min-jae's sale. This is a significant drop from the initially anticipated amount.
This indicates that Bayern's intention to sell Kim Min-jae is quite strong. 'TZ' stated that "Kim Min-jae was considered a promising defensive leader, but has made too many mistakes, lacks consistency, and has repeated injury issues. He has continuously regressed." It added, "Bayern is generally dissatisfied with their defensive lineup. Following Eric Dier's transfer to AS Monaco, a major overhaul of the center defense is being prepared."
Bayern has already completed the search for Kim Min-jae's replacement. The main candidate is Tah, a towering center-back standing at 195 cm. He boasts incredible speed, reaching a top speed of 35.81 km/h. Tah, who has worn the Bayer Leverkusen uniform since 2015, was also a key player in the Bundesliga's first-ever undefeated championship last season.
Tah, who is also playing for the German national team, has declared a new challenge this summer. He will become a free agent at the end of the season and has already announced his departure from Leverkusen. A two-way battle between Bayern and Barcelona had been anticipated, who had pursued Tah since last summer, but Bayern seems to be taking the lead.
Falk stated, "At first, it seemed that Tah would transfer to Barcelona. However, due to Barcelona's unstable finances, the transfer plans are likely to be canceled. He has now lost patience." He added, "Now, Tah does not want to leave Germany in the upcoming transfer market. Therefore, for now, Bayern is leading the race for his signature and is very likely to finalize the signing."
Bayern is also set to re-sign Dayot Upamecano, so they are expected to build a central defense with Tah and Upamecano next season. Falk noted, "The necessity for a defensive leader like Tah has become clear after Bayern's disappointing exit from the Champions League. Considering that the club wants to sell Kim Min-jae this summer, Tah could be the ideal successor. He could also resolve the defensive line's injury issues."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Bayern Munich, 365Scores, Transfermarkt social media.
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