Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has once again caught the radar of top European clubs. Reports indicate that Liverpool, a traditional powerhouse in the Premier League (PL), is actively pursuing his transfer. If the transaction goes through, Kim Min-jae will be the first Korean player to wear a Liverpool uniform and stand alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Curt Offside reported on the 6th (Korean time) that "Liverpool strongly desires to sign Kim Min-jae. Bayern Munich's asking price has dropped from 50 million euros (77.5 billion won) to 35 million euros (54.3 billion won), and Kim Min-jae is also showing a positive stance toward the transfer."
Kim Min-jae prefers to move to the Premier League, and Liverpool has been hoping to sign him since his time at Napoli. Particularly, with the ongoing difficulties in re-signing Ibrahima Konaté, strengthening the defense has become a priority for Liverpool, making Kim Min-jae their main target.
If Kim Min-jae heads to Liverpool, the scene of him standing alongside his long-time idol Virgil van Dijk could become a reality. This would attract significant interest from football fans worldwide.
In addition to Liverpool, multiple PL clubs have entered the race to sign Kim Min-jae. Newcastle United has already begun initial negotiations, and Chelsea is also monitoring Kim Min-jae as part of their defensive reinforcement efforts. Additionally, clubs such as Juventus, Inter Milan, and Saudi Arabian clubs are expressing interest.
French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Italy's AC Milan are also closely monitoring Kim Min-jae's situation. Notably, AC Milan, under new coach Massimiliano Allegri's strong request, wants to sign Kim Min-jae and there is even speculation he could be used as a trade card with Bayern Munich.
According to local reports in Italy, Bayern has offered AC Milan a deal that includes Kim Min-jae and 70 million euros (108.6 billion won) for the acquisition of Rafael Leão. However, AC Milan is seeking over 130 million euros (201.6 billion won), which complicates negotiations.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae has played a total of 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes for Bayern this season. In the league, he recorded 2,289 minutes, ranking second on the team in playing time after Joshua Kimmich. Notably, since October, he has been dealing with an Achilles injury but continued to play, earning the moniker "the icon of overwork."
Kim Min-jae has become the first Korean player to lift trophies in major European leagues for two consecutive years. In the 2022-2023 season, he won the Serie A title with Napoli, and in the 2023-2024 season, he achieved the Bundesliga title with Bayern. Nevertheless, as mistakes increased in the second half of the season, he has faced criticism locally in Germany, and Bayern is already preparing for his departure by signing Jonatan Tarr.
Both Bayern and Kim Min-jae are considering a transfer, and Bild's Christian Falk reported that "Kim Min-jae is tired of the criticism and would have no qualms about leaving if an attractive offer comes in."
Kim Min-jae's next destination remains uncertain. However, if he heads to the PL, a move to Liverpool could symbolize a pivotal turning point. The image of Kim Min-jae challenging for the Premier League title alongside Van Dijk excites fans worldwide.
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