Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is once again at the center of the European transfer market. This time, there are reports that Liverpool is taking direct action.

Kurt Offside reported on the 6th (Korea time) that "Liverpool is eager to acquire Kim Min-jae. Currently, Bayern Munich has lowered its asking transfer fee from 50 million euros (7.75 billion won) to 35 million euros (5.43 billion won), and Kim Min-jae himself prefers a transfer."

He also noted, "If Kim Min-jae leaves Allianz Arena, he will prioritize the Premier League."

In addition to Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea are showing interest, and there are claims that initial contacts have already been made with some clubs. Furthermore, European powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan are keeping an eye on the situation.

If Liverpool succeeds in acquiring Kim Min-jae, he will form the center-back line alongside Virgil van Dijk, whom he has admired since childhood. Currently, Liverpool is having difficulties in contract negotiations with Ibrahima Konaté, so if he leaves, the likelihood of Kim Min-jae becoming a priority may increase.

However, there are some concerns. Kurt Offside analyzed, "Kim Min-jae received criticism for mistakes in the second half of the season without gaining complete trust at Bayern. It is questionable whether he can adapt as a central defender in the high-pressure environment of Liverpool."

Kim Min-jae has played 43 official matches for Bayern this season, logging 3,593 minutes, with 2,289 minutes in the league. This is the second most playing time on the team, following Joshua Kimmich. Notably, since October of last year, he has been playing despite Achilles tendon pain, consistently protecting the back line in every match and has officially been mentioned by FIFPro as being at risk of overwork.

Nonetheless, there is a growing sentiment within Bayern regarding Kim Min-jae's transfer. The board plans to reshape the defense through the acquisition of Jonatan Tah. In fact, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs from Saudi Arabia have already shown interest in acquiring Kim Min-jae.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae has recently taken a step back from his previous stance of "I will stay with the team and prove everything." Christian Falk of Bild stated, "Kim Min-jae's name has been added to the sales list, and he has conveyed to those around him that he would like to transfer if a reasonable offer comes."

The prestigious Italian club AC Milan is also one of the teams wanting Kim Min-jae. Especially with Massimiliano Allegri newly appointed as manager, there is a strong determination to strengthen the defense, and reports indicate that Kim Min-jae is a key target. Interestingly, Bayern is reportedly interested in Milan's key resource Rafael Leão, raising the possibility that Kim Min-jae could be used as a trade chip.

Bavarian Football Works pointed out, "Kim Min-jae has been dedicated to the team despite injuries. Forcing him into action has rather led to a decline in performance," and emphasized that under Manager Kompany's regime, he needs to be fully rehabilitated and that providing recovery opportunities should take precedence over selling him.

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