Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is expected to take a longer break than originally planned.
A prominent German media outlet, Bild, reported on the 3rd (Korea time) that “Kim Min-jae received a diagnosis in Korea indicating that he needs absolute rest until mid-July.”
According to the report, Kim Min-jae is expected to return early due to overlapping issues of left Achilles tendonitis and an ankle ganglion cyst.
Kim Min-jae, who was left off the roster for the June South Korea national team A match call-up, is also unlikely to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup starting on the 13th.
Bayern will compete in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup against Auckland City (New Zealand), Boca Juniors (Argentina), and Benfica (Portugal) starting June 16. Kim Min-jae is expected not to accompany the team to this tournament.
Kim Min-jae played 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes across all competitions in the 2024-2025 season, recording the most playing time among Bayern defenders. The Achilles injury was first discovered last October, but due to injuries in the defensive line, he competed throughout the season. As Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, and Alphonso Davies continued to be sidelined, Kim Min-jae effectively bore the defensive responsibilities alone.
Coach Kompany only allowed him to rest after the league title was confirmed.
After the season ended, Kim Min-jae's name has again come up in transfer rumors. Local media anticipate that Bayern's recent acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen's starting defender Jonathan Tah will reduce Kim Min-jae's standing. Bild's Christian Falk and Tobias Altschäfl noted that “within the club, it was determined that Kim Min-jae did not meet expectations and was classified as a candidate for sale.”
Transfermarkt also predicted a center-back duo of Tah and Upamecano in their '2025-2026 season expected best XI', excluding Kim Min-jae.
Many teams desire Kim Min-jae. The clubs showing the most interest are Serie A's Juventus and Inter Milan. Particularly interesting is that Juventus is looking to rehire Director General Cristiano Giuntoli, who acquired Kim Min-jae during his time at Napoli. Giuntoli led Napoli to the Scudetto after 33 years, based on Kim Min-jae's performances.
Kim Min-jae is also keeping the option of a transfer open. Bild reported that “Kim Min-jae has faced criticism throughout this season, and if the situation does not change, he will consider a transfer if an attractive offer comes in.”
If he is excluded from Bayern's plans, a summer transfer for Kim Min-jae is likely to become a necessity rather than a choice.
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