"I ran until my body broke." Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich)'s injury raises painful questions beyond simple concerns about the team's player management system.
According to multiple domestic and international reports on the 30th (Korea time), Kim Min-jae reportedly played through Achilles tendinitis for nearly half of last season, even forcing himself to play despite the pain spreading to his opposite leg. The initial diagnosis was 'about 5 weeks of rest,' but a trusted orthopedic specialist deemed that recovery would be necessary until July 15. This is almost double the recovery period estimated by Bayern.
As a result, it has become virtually impossible for Kim Min-jae to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to begin on June 15, leaving Bayern to compete without a key defender. "Football Asia" pointed out that "Kim Min-jae has played through pain for over six months for both club and country, ultimately worsening his injury. Bayern has overworked the player due to poor judgment."
In this situation, Bayern Munich's recent transfer market activities suggest even more. Bayern has already acquired Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, and internally they are considering pairing Dayot Upamecano and Tah as the new starting center-back combination. There are concerns that Kim Min-jae may fall to backup alongside Josip Stanisic, and local German media such as "FCB Inside" and "Bild" also reported that "Bayern plans to sell Kim Min-jae if a suitable offer comes."
While the transfer fee has decreased to around 30 million euros (approximately 47.1 billion won), the variable is Kim Min-jae's 'high salary.' According to "Football Asia," Kim Min-jae currently receives 17 million euros (approximately 27.9 billion won) annually, which may be burdensome even for top Premier League clubs. Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano commented that "If Kim Min-jae wants to remain in Europe, a salary cut is unavoidable. Saudi clubs can afford this and may even offer better terms."
Kim Min-jae's pain extends beyond a simple injury. The initial diagnosis from the Munich regional newspaper "TZ" was incorrect, leaving the actual injury unattended and ultimately causing significant disruptions to the Club World Cup and next season's preparations. In response, the head coach of the South Korean national team, Hong Myung-bo, criticized earlier this year by stating that "the club's interests took precedence over player protection," a point that is gaining credibility.
Though last season was Kim Min-jae's first year after transferring to Munich, he demonstrated steady performance amidst a tight schedule and uncertain usage. Nevertheless, the club seems to be transitioning him into a 'risk asset.' As a result of sacrificing against his will, he is facing the outcome of 'being released.'
Bayern's poor injury management and transfer strategy is not simply a matter of one player's departure. It leaves an essential question about how far respect for 'humanity,' which is the essence of professional sports, can be maintained.
Kim Min-jae is facing his next choice: adjusting his salary to remain on the European stage or accepting a challenge with a Saudi offer. Whichever path he chooses, this situation will remain a bittersweet memory for him.
[OSEN]