Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), who has dedicated himself to the team, has been named to the Bundesliga 'Team of the Year' selected by fans. However, his name was missing from the Best 11 list chosen by local German media.

'Transfermarkt' revealed the Best 11 for the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season on the 19th (Korean time) through social media. This is the Team of the Year compiled based on the Best 11 records selected by fans each round.

Kim Min-jae was not left out. He formed the back line with 'partner' Dayo Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), and Mitchell Weiser (Werder Bremen). Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) was selected as the top goalkeeper in this season's Bundesliga.

Many players from the 'champion team' Bayern were also present in midfield and attack. Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich, and Jamal Musiala (all Bayern) along with Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen) were responsible for the midfield, while top scorer Harry Kane (Bayern) and Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) were placed in the two forward positions. Notably, Marmoush has made the Best 11 after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt during the January winter transfer window.

However, Kim Min-jae's name was missing from the Team of the Year chosen by 'Kicker'. The media formed the Best 11 with Kane, Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund), Olise, Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart), Wirtz, Kimmich, Nadim Amiri (Mainz), Pierro Incaprié, and Jonatan Ta (both Leverkusen), as well as Matthias Ginter (Freiburg) and Peter Gulacsi (Leipzig).

Although three center-backs were selected, not a single player from Bayern, the team with the fewest goals conceded, was included. Bayern conceded only 32 goals in 34 Bundesliga matches this season, showcasing overwhelming defensive strength. They are nine goals ahead of the second team with the fewest goals conceded, St. Pauli (41 goals). Despite this, they managed to produce no defenders for the Best 11.

However, Tati is likely to join Bayern at the end of this season. He has already declared goodbye to Leverkusen due to the expiration of his contract. Initially, Tati seemed likely to transfer to Barcelona, but the negotiations were delayed due to Barcelona's financial difficulties, leading him to change direction toward Bayern.

'Kicker' explained, "Tati, the absolute leader of the Leverkusen defense, had an impressive season. Although the team finished in second place, he delivered a brutally consistent performance. He consistently showcased top-level capabilities and achieved outstanding results," which is why Tati was included in the Team of the Year.

For Kim Min-jae, this means he has been outperformed by Tati, who might become a competitor next season. Considering his dedication to Bayern's championship, it leaves a bit of disappointment.

This season, Kim Min-jae played 43 matches totaling 3,593 minutes in the Bayern jersey, with 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This is the second-highest playing time in the team after Kimmich.

Especially, since October of last year, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles injury and has pushed through a grueling schedule. Even when rest was necessary, he could not rest properly due to injuries among his teammates and continued to hold the defensive line for Bayern. He became 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 championship trophy) that they lost to Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae also became the first Korean player to conquer two of the top five European leagues. After lifting the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, he successfully triumphed in the Bundesliga as well.

However, Bayern wants to part ways with Kim Min-jae after two years. Perhaps because he showcased a long-standing commitment to injury, he began to make frequent mistakes toward the end of the season, which has led to a growing voice of criticism in Germany. Consequently, reports have surfaced from reputable sources like Sky Sports, 'Bild', and 'Kicker' stating that Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae.

Even Kim Min-jae, who always claimed he would stay at Bayern to prove himself, has had a change of heart. Christian Falk, a reporter from 'Bild', noted, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. If he receives an attractive offer, he will not hesitate to leave the team. He has keenly felt the criticism regarding his performance in Munich."

Bayern's board has already decided to sell Kim Min-jae. According to 'Bild', Max Eberl, the director, has received approval from the management committee for plans including signing Tati until 2028. The media reported, "Bayern wants to wait for offers for defensive star Kim Min-jae. They hope for proposals from abroad."

Fortunately, there are several teams abroad interested in Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle United, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs from Saudi Arabia are showing interest in him. According to reporter Falk, Bayern expects to gain about €30 million (approximately 46.9 billion won) to €35 million (approximately 54.8 billion won) through the sale of Kim Min-jae, so if he reduces his salary slightly, a transfer is likely to be realized.

[Photo] Bayern, Transfermarkt, FIFPro, 365 Scores social media.

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