Min-jae Kim's (29) position at Bayern Munich is gradually narrowing after his first season with the club. Despite consistent appearances and determination through injuries, local media criticism and the internal perspectives of the club are becoming increasingly cold. At the same time, the possibility of Min-jae Kim's transfer is rapidly becoming a reality.
Sport1 announced the evaluation results of the Bayern Munich squad for the 2024-2025 season on the 21st (Korean time). Here, Min-jae Kim received the lowest rating among defenders at 4.5 points. In the German grading system, a score of 4.5 is nearly failing. This is interpreted as a result of a combination of declining performance and the impact of injuries.
It was analyzed that "Min-jae Kim showed relatively stable performance in the early part of the season, but his ability sharply declined after an Achilles injury, and he began to be classified as an element of instability in the defense." It was also noted that "the club is considering his transfer possibility," hinting at a shift in the internal atmosphere of Munich.
During the same period, another German media outlet, RAN, also assigned Min-jae Kim a score of 4. RAN pointed out that "he initially stood out with speed and skill, but in the latter part of the season, frequent mistakes and worsening injuries caused his evaluation to drop sharply."
The controversy did not end with a simple score. The Japanese defender Hiroki Ito, who missed most of the season due to injuries, received the same score as Min-jae Kim, leading to a controversy over fairness. Ito has only played 282 minutes after undergoing three surgeries for fractures. In contrast, Min-jae Kim played 3,593 minutes, recording the second most playing time on the team.
RAN evaluated Ito by saying, "He showed potential after returning," but there are local opinions that it is difficult to understand receiving the same score as Min-jae Kim, who made a significant contribution. In this regard, some in the German football community have raised criticism that "the evaluation criteria themselves are subjective, and racial biases cannot be excluded."
Min-jae Kim has participated in almost every game since the match against Eintracht Frankfurt in October despite an Achilles injury. He played while receiving painkillers and managed his playing schedule without sufficient recovery time even during the winter break. He stated, "I wasn't fully healed, but I thought playing was the right thing for the team."
This level of dedication led to a decline in performance, and ultimately, he found himself at the center of criticism for being involved in goals conceded during key matches such as the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Inter Milan and the Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund. Some local media labeled Min-jae Kim as "an element of instability in the defense line."
Bavarian Football remarked, "Min-jae Kim could be classified as a prime example of failure to adapt," suggesting he may be excluded from plans for the next season. Such an unstable standing within the club and disappointing ratings are further fueling the possibility of his transfer.
Global transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano also reported news related to Min-jae Kim. He explained on the 22nd that "Min-jae Kim could transfer to the Premier League or Saudi Arabia," noting that "the salary is the most important variable in the negotiations."
Min-jae Kim's current salary is reported to be approximately €11 million (17 billion won), which could pose a significant burden for most mid-tier clubs in Europe. As a result, clubs in the Premier League or Saudi Arabia with relatively more financial flexibility are being mentioned as realistic alternatives.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich has stated that if Min-jae Kim's transfer materializes, transfers to rival teams within the league will be thoroughly excluded. German outlet Bild reported on the 21st that "Munich plans to prioritize overseas club offers for Min-jae Kim," which is interpreted as a strategic move by the club to prevent internal talent drain.
Although expectations were high for Min-jae Kim as a ‘key signing’ since his joining, the current situation at the end of the season is not encouraging. To prove his potential as a top European defender once again, he needs new environments and tactical support. Min-jae Kim's future has become one of the central issues of this summer's transfer market.
10bird@osen.co.kr
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