"Kim Min-jae is injured, but he should not be overworked."
On June 6 (Korea time), the UK’s Cut Offside reported that "Liverpool is eager to sign star Kim Min-jae for €35 million (approximately 54.3 billion won). Newcastle is also negotiating with Kim Min-jae," while noting that "Liverpool is one of the clubs exploring the possibility of acquiring Bayern center-back Kim Min-jae this summer. The final decision regarding Kim Min-jae's future has not yet been made, but among close sources, there is a growing atmosphere that his transfer will be allowed.
"Furthermore, it is understood that Bayern's asking price has decreased from €50 million (approximately 77.5 billion won) to €35 million (approximately 54.3 billion won). Kim Min-jae himself also wants to transfer. According to sources, he prefers a Premier League move if he leaves Allianz Arena (Bayern's home ground)," it added.
The Premier League team targeting Kim Min-jae is not just Liverpool. Cut Offside explained that "if Kim Min-jae transfers to England, he will have no shortage of suitors. Liverpool is considering a signing. Additionally, Newcastle likes Kim Min-jae and is said to have initiated early negotiations. Chelsea is also aiming to strengthen its defense this summer, making them a noteworthy option as well."
The media continued, "Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are monitoring Kim Min-jae's situation. Liverpool wanted to sign him when he played for Napoli, and it seems they are again showing interest in a potential contract."
If Kim Min-jae puts on a Liverpool uniform, he will team up with his idol Virgil van Dijk. Currently, Liverpool has one year left on the contract of starting center-back Ibrahima Konaté, but negotiations for a renewal are proving difficult. If Konaté leaves, Liverpool will likely push more aggressively for Kim Min-jae’s signing.
However, Cut Offside expressed uncertainty whether Kim Min-jae could become a key defender for Liverpool in place of Konaté. The media emphasized, "Is Kim Min-jae truly a good fit for Liverpool? Although he shone at Napoli, he has yet to succeed in representing a prestigious team like Bayern. It's still to be seen whether he has shown enough during his time in Germany to succeed in the Premier League."
There are increasing chances that Kim Min-jae could part ways with Bayern this summer. He has played 43 matches for Bayern across all competitions this season, logging 3,593 minutes, with 2,289 minutes solely in the league. This is the second-most playing time in the team, following Joshua Kimmich. Notably, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles injury since last October while remaining steadfast.
Despite needing rest, Kim Min-jae has struggled to take a break due to his teammates' multiple injuries and has continuously guarded Bayern's backline. He has become an "icon of overwork," raising concerns even from the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro). Thanks to this, Bayern has reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga championship trophy) that they lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae has also become the first Korean player to win titles in two of Europe’s top five leagues.
Kim Min-jae lifted the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli during the 2022-2023 season and has succeeded in clinching the Bundesliga title as well. However, Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae. In Germany, there is criticism of him for making too many mistakes in the second half of the season. Bayern's board wishes to sell Kim Min-jae for the right offer and has already signed Joško Gvardiol.
There are several teams interested in Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs from Saudi Arabia have shown interest in him. According to Christian Falk of Bild, Bayern expects to receive between €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won) and €35 million (approximately 54.3 billion won) through Kim Min-jae's sale.
Kim Min-jae, who always declared he would stay at Bayern to prove himself, has changed his mind. Falk noted, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates to be released this summer. He would not hesitate to leave if he receives an appealing offer. He has deeply felt the criticism regarding his performances in Munich."
Meanwhile, Bayern's media leaks continue regarding Kim Min-jae's transfer. Nevertheless, many are observing that Bayern's overwork last season remains a pivotal issue for him. In fact, it is reported that Bayern is attempting to take Kim Min-jae to the Club World Cup, putting him under pressure.
The Bayern fan page 'Bavarian Football Works' stated, "Personally, I believe Kim Min-jae should be given more opportunities," adding, "Instead of selling Kim Min-jae, he should be given chances until he fully recovers from injury. It’s unreasonable for him to play while carrying an injury. He has definitely been playing under injury conditions."
The media emphasized, "Realistically, last season Kim Min-jae's playing time should have been managed more carefully, and the responsibility lies with coach Vincent Kompany. It is natural that he cannot demonstrate his true abilities while playing under injury," stressing that, "Unless it is an exceptional case, Kim Min-jae should be protected first and other players should be sold before him."
[Photo] ⓒGetty Images (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), LFC Transfer, Liverpool, 365 Scores, Bayern social media.
[OSEN]