The uncertainty surrounding Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is deepening. Major German media outlets are consecutively reporting that Kim's transfer is a foregone conclusion, and as a result, multiple big clubs in Serie A are being mentioned as his next destination.

Kim Min-jae, who established himself as a central defender for Bayern Munich, the strongest team in the Bundesliga, displayed remarkable fighting spirit while coping with Achilles tendon pain throughout the season. He participated in 43 matches, playing 3,593 minutes and fulfilling the role of a cornerstone in the team's defensive line. However, the atmosphere within Bayern Munich is heading in a completely different direction.

Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg asserted on the 15th (Korean time) that "Bayern Munich no longer considers him an indispensable asset."

He added, "Bayern Munich is open to transfer offers for Kim Min-jae, and the resulting transfer fees will be used as funds for restructuring the defense." This means the Bayern Munich leadership has already categorized Kim Min-jae as a 'transfer asset.'

Following Plettenberg's report, concrete movements followed. Christian Falk of Bild noted on the 17th that "If an offer in the region of €50 million (78.1 billion won) comes in, Bayern Munich will seriously consider selling Kim Min-jae," suggesting that he has effectively been put up for sale.

An even more decisive report came out on the 16th. Toby Altchep and Christian Falk of Sport Bild reported that "Kim Min-jae has already been informed by Bayern Munich about the possibility of a transfer this summer." According to this report, it has been revealed that Kim Min-jae received information about the club's transfer policy before Eric Dier's move to Monaco was confirmed.

Bayern is said to have already organized internal candidates to replace Kim Min-jae. Dayot Upamecano, Ito Hiroki, and Josip Stanisic are among those targeted, and efforts to acquire Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) have reportedly been solidified. Local media reported that Bayern expects to receive €30 million to €35 million (46.9 billion to 54.7 billion won) as transfer fees if Tah's acquisition is successful.

The number of matches and minutes Kim Min-jae participated in speaks to his dedication: 43 matches, 3,593 minutes played. This was the most playing time among Bayern Munich defenders. Despite the repercussions of his injuries, Kim Min-jae consistently started, maintaining his performance even under extreme defensive tactics, going beyond mere physical sacrifice for the stability of the organization.

However, the club is not effectively reciprocating this dedication. In a recent interview with Bild, Kim Min-jae stated, "I want to stay. There is no reason to leave. However, the future is uncertain." While he clearly expressed his 'intention to remain', Bayern Munich has already made a decision in the opposite direction.

Kicker reported on the 16th that "Bayern's leadership is seriously considering restructuring the defense, and the acquisition of Tah is imminent following Eric Dier's transfer." At the same time, they declared that "Upamecano is excluded from the list of those for sale." They also assessed Ito Hiroki, stating, "While we believe in his talent, the timeline for his return is uncertain due to repeated foot fractures."

Ito has played only 282 minutes this season. The fact that a player who has not even recovered his game sense is mentioned as a replacement for Kim Min-jae goes beyond a mere technical issue and could be damaging to Kim Min-jae's pride.

The current situation makes it difficult for Kim Min-jae to choose to stay. Bayern Munich has already directly notified Kim Min-jae about the possibility of a transfer and is actively creating an atmosphere through the media. This resembles the 'implicit separation process' often spoken of in the football world. Whether he leaves or stays, the opportunity diminishes.

Although Kim Min-jae stated, "There is no reason to leave," conversely, this means the club is creating 'reasons for him to leave.' This summer, the scenario where Kim Min-jae ultimately seeks a transfer himself is gaining increasing credibility.

Amid losing his place at Bayern, Italy is being regarded as the most likely destination for Kim Min-jae. The Serie A stage is not unfamiliar to him. He dominated the Italian stage while with Napoli during the 2022-2023 season, being selected for the Serie A Best XI and lifting the Scudetto.

Thanks to such a 'resume', top clubs in Italy are turning their eyes back to Kim Min-jae. Renowned transfer market expert Rudy Galetti stated on the 12th that "Inter Milan and Juventus are showing serious interest in Kim Min-jae." Both teams urgently need to bolster their defense for competition in next season's European tournaments.

Inter Milan's starting center backs, Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi, are aging, and Juventus is continuously searching for a replacement for veteran Leonardo Bonucci. For these teams, Kim Min-jae, a proven defensive leader with build-up capabilities, is undeniably an attractive option.

Ultimately, Kim Min-jae's situation relies on the club's plans as well as his own decision. Despite having expressed a desire to remain in interviews, Bayern Munich no longer regards Kim Min-jae as a core asset. This creates an environment where it is increasingly difficult for Kim Min-jae to feel any incentive to stay.

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