Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has appeared on the transfer list of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). It is surprising news that the Director General and the agent have already made direct contact.

French outlet Foot Mercato reported on the 8th (Korean time) that "Luis Campos, the PSG Director General, met with Kim Min-jae's agent! PSG wants to reinforce their defense and is particularly looking for a right center-back. They are considering acquiring Kim Min-jae." The report comes from the credible journalist Santi Aouna in France.

The media stated, "According to the latest information, Director Campos met with Kim Min-jae's agent. It is common knowledge that PSG is looking for a right center-back. Names of several players, from Mario Hila (Lazio) to Ilya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth), have already surfaced."

Kim Min-jae has been added to the list. Foot Mercato explained, "Recently, various sources reported that the PSG board has shown interest in Kim Min-jae, who is playing at Bayern. This was confirmed by the fact that Director Campos met with Kim Min-jae's agent in Paris this week. This meeting is a clear indication of PSG's interest."

However, it seems still to be in the early stages. The media added, "PSG has yet to send a transfer offer to Kim Min-jae, and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr is also showing movement. However, this meeting allowed us to gauge Director Campos's interest in Kim Min-jae."

Currently, PSG is looking for a successor to captain Marquinhos. Born in 1994, center-back Marquinhos has been a legend at PSG since 2013. He has strengthened the PSG defense this season, contributing to the club's first UEFA Champions League victory in its history.

However, the collaboration between Marquinhos and PSG seems to be nearing its end. Foot Mercato reported, "Campos is striving to find the perfect candidate at a time when Marquinhos is contemplating his future. Despite having recently won the Champions League, he is expected to remain with the team, but there is a possibility he may spend his last season wearing the PSG uniform."

Amid these developments, Kim Min-jae has been spotted on Director Campos's radar. The media reported, "Kim Min-jae has recorded 4 goals in 69 matches for Bayern. Joining Munich as a potential starter, he has appeared in 43 matches across all competitions this season. Despite facing difficulties due to injuries to Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Ito, Kim Min-jae's performance has not always met expectations. Is there a reason to anticipate a transfer this summer?"

Of course, whether PSG's interest will lead to an actual transfer remains to be seen. Foot Mercato noted, "German media reported that Bayern is not satisfied with Kim Min-jae's performance. Considering the recent addition of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, they supposedly would not oppose Kim Min-jae's transfer this summer."

The media added, "Kim Min-jae, who is under contract until June 2028, is valued at 40 million euros (approximately 62 billion won), but Bayern is seeking 50 million euros (approximately 77.6 billion won). Whether PSG, which is showing great interest in securing Zabarnyi, will push further for Kim Min-jae's acquisition remains uncertain."

Bayern is pushing to sell Kim Min-jae this summer. The Bayern management is reportedly willing to send Kim Min-jae overseas if a suitable offer is received, having already secured another national team center-back.

This season, Kim Min-jae has made 43 appearances totaling 3,593 minutes in Bayern's uniform, with 2,289 minutes played in the league alone. This is the second most playing time on the team, following Joshua Kimmich. Notably, since October of last year, Kim Min-jae has been navigating through an Achilles injury and has not been able to rest properly due to his teammates’ injuries, despite needing a break.

As a result, Bayern has regained the Meisterschale (Bundesliga championship trophy) that they lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae has also become the first Korean player to conquer two of Europe’s top five leagues. He lifted the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season before succeeding in Germany's Bundesliga.

Nevertheless, Kim Min-jae cannot escape criticism for making too many mistakes in the second half of the season. Ultimately, even he, who always proclaimed he would stay at Bayern to prove himself, has changed his mind. Christian Falk, a reporter for Bild, reported, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. He would not hesitate to leave the team if he receives an attractive offer. He has felt the criticism of his performance deeply in Munich."

As Kim Min-jae has entered the transfer market, many big clubs are showing interest. Including Premier League clubs Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, Serie A clubs Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan are reported to be linked with Kim Min-jae.

In particular, the 'Premier League champion' Liverpool has suddenly emerged as a strong destination. The British outlet 'Caught Offside' reported, "Liverpool is eager to acquire Kim Min-jae. Newcastle is also in negotiations with him," and added, "Kim Min-jae himself wants a transfer. According to sources, he would prefer a Premier League move if he leaves Allianz Arena (Bayern's home stadium)."

Meanwhile, PSG has also jumped into the competition to acquire Kim Min-jae. With PSG's exceptional financial resources, they can accommodate Kim Min-jae's high salary. If Lee Kang-in does not leave the team and stays at PSG, a 'Korean duo' could be formed with Kim Min-jae.

For now, Kim Min-jae's priority is to fully recover from his injury. He has been playing for over six months with Achilles pain, which has reportedly caused a cyst in his left foot. His participation in the upcoming Club World Cup is also uncertain. Kim Min-jae needs to focus on rehabilitation while envisioning his future for next season.

[Photo] ⓒGetty Images (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Foot Mercato, Bayern Munich, 365 Scores social media.

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