Kim Min-jae prefers Premier League move amid Bayern trade discussions

"I want to go to Milan?".

The British 'Cut Offside' reported on the 6th (Korean time) that "Liverpool is eager to sign star Kim Min-jae for 35 million euros (approximately 54.3 billion won). Newcastle is also in talks with Kim Min-jae," and that "Liverpool is one of the clubs exploring the possibility of signing Bayern center back Kim Min-jae this summer. The final decision on Kim Min-jae's future has not yet been made, but sources close to the situation are increasingly suggesting that his transfer will be allowed."

"It is also understood that Bayern's asking price has dropped from 50 million euros (approximately 77.5 billion won) to 35 million euros (approximately 54.3 billion won). Kim Min-jae himself wants to transfer. According to sources, if he leaves Allianz Arena (Bayern's home ground), he would prefer a move to the Premier League," it added.

Liverpool is not the only Premier League team targeting Kim Min-jae. Cut Offside noted, "If Kim Min-jae transfers to England, he will not lack suitors. Liverpool is also considering signing him. Additionally, Newcastle likes Kim Min-jae and is reported to have initiated early negotiations. Chelsea is also aiming to strengthen their defense this summer and could be a notable option."

The media continued, "Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan are monitoring Kim Min-jae's situation. Liverpool wanted to sign him when he was playing for Napoli. It seems they are once again showing interest in a potential deal."

If Kim Min-jae dons a Liverpool jersey, he will team up with his idol, Virgil van Dijk. Currently, Liverpool's first-choice center back, Ibrahima Konaté, has one year left on his contract, but negotiations for an extension are proving difficult. If Konaté departs, it seems likely that Liverpool will pursue Kim Min-jae more actively.

However, Cut Offside expressed uncertainty about whether Kim Min-jae could become a key defender for Liverpool instead of Konaté. The media emphasized, "Is Kim Min-jae truly suitable for Liverpool? Although he shined at Napoli, he has yet to prove himself in representing a prestigious team like Bayern. Whether he showed enough in Germany to succeed in the Premier League remains to be seen."

Kim Min-jae's departure from Bayern this summer seems increasingly likely. He has played 43 matches for Bayern across all competitions this season, logging 3,593 minutes, and 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This is the second-most playing time on the team, after Joshua Kimmich. Notably, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles injury since last October while continuing to play.

Even in a situation where he needs a break, Kim Min-jae has not been able to rest properly due to injuries to his teammates and has consistently guarded Bayern's backline. He has become an 'icon of overwork,' drawing concern from the International Football Players' Association (FIFPro). As a result, Bayern reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga trophy) that they lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae also became the first Korean player to win titles in two of Europe's top five leagues.

After lifting the Serie A trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, Kim Min-jae successfully claimed the Bundesliga title as well. However, Bayern is considering a parting with Kim Min-jae. Criticism has emerged locally in Germany regarding the numerous mistakes made in the second half of the season. The Bayern board wishes to send Kim Min-jae overseas if a suitable offer is received and has already brought in Joao Cancelo.

There are several teams interested in Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Saudi Arabian clubs have shown interest in him. According to Christian Falk from 'Bild,' Bayern hopes to earn between 30 million euros (approximately 46.5 billion won) and 35 million euros (approximately 54.3 billion won) through Kim Min-jae's sale.

Kim Min-jae, who always shouted that he would prove himself by staying at Bayern, has changed his mind. Falk reported, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. He wouldn't hesitate to leave if he receives an attractive offer. He has felt the criticism regarding his performance in Munich deeply."

Following Liverpool, AC Milan is also being associated with Kim Min-jae. However, this is merely Bayern's hope. Bayern wants to sign Milan's ace Rafael Leão. The transfer fee set by Milan is 130 million euros (approximately 2.016 trillion won). Bayern is reportedly considering offering 70 million euros (approximately 1.068 trillion won) plus a trade card for Kim Min-jae.

However, Milan has declared that they will not sell Leão unless their asking price is met in this summer transfer market. Additionally, the relatively high salary of Kim Min-jae poses a burden for Milan. It can be viewed that the prospect of him going to Milan is lower compared to Liverpool's interest.

Additionally, Leão has been negative about a move to Bayern. Matteo Moretto from Spain's 'Revolvo' noted, "From the beginning, Leão has not expressed a desire to leave Milan," and added, "Therefore, Milan will definitely try to receive Leão's full transfer fee."

In fact, Bayern was previously confident about signing Florian Wirtz, but it fell through due to the player's rejection. They claimed that the sale of Kim Min-jae and the refusal to renew legendary Thomas Müller's contract were all reasons for pursuing Wirtz, although the player himself declined. Leão is in a similar situation, feeling little attraction towards Bayern.

Moreover, Leão has expressed anger at Bayern's negotiation approach. German 'Bild' reported, "Bayern has had long and close contact with Leão. It is true that they are interested in signing him," adding, "However, recently, Director General Max Eberl suddenly halted negotiations and discussions, causing Leão to become angry. Eberl is reportedly more interested in Nico Williams (Bilbao) than Leão."

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