The person who took the photo is extraordinary.
Santiago Aouno, a reporter for Spain's Foot Mercato, reported on the 8th (Korea time) that "Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has started to take serious action regarding Kim Min-jae. As the French Ligue 1 champion that aims to reclaim its status in Europe, PSG has begun a restructuring of its defense, and it has been confirmed that the club's key figure, advisor Luis Campos, met directly with Kim Min-jae's agent."
Kim Min-jae's likelihood of parting ways with Bayern is increasing this summer. He has played a total of 43 matches and 3,593 minutes in all competitions while wearing Bayern's uniform this season, with 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This is the second-most playing time on the team, following Joshua Kimmich. Notably, Kim Min-jae has been battling an Achilles tendon injury since October of last year.
Even in a situation where Kim Min-jae needs rest, he has not been able to properly rest due to injuries among his teammates and has continued to protect Bayern's defense. He has become an 'icon of overwork' to the extent that the International Football Players' Association (FIFPro) has expressed concern. Thanks to him, 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 in two of the top five European leagues.
After lifting the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, Kim Min-jae successfully conquered the Bundesliga as well. However, Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae. Criticism has emerged locally regarding the numerous mistakes made during the second half of the season. The Bayern board wishes to send Kim Min-jae abroad if they receive a suitable offer and has already acquired Joao Pedro.
There are many teams interested in Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Saudi Arabian clubs are showing interest in him. According to Christian Falk of Bild, Bayern expects to earn around 30 million euros (approximately 46.5 billion won) to 35 million euros (approximately 54.3 billion won) through the sale of Kim Min-jae.
Kim Min-jae, who always shouted that he would prove himself by staying with Bayern, has changed his mind. Falk reported that "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. If he receives an attractive offer, he would not hesitate to leave the team. He has keenly felt the criticism regarding his performance in Munich."
Meanwhile, Bayern's speculation regarding Kim Min-jae's transfer continues. Nevertheless, it is also reported locally that Bayern's overworking last season is still holding him back. In fact, Bayern is known to be trying to take Kim Min-jae to the Club World Cup, despite the demands. Nevertheless, given Kim Min-jae's impressive performance, he is connected with several big clubs like PSG and Liverpool.
PSG is reviewing various candidates to strengthen the right-footed central defender position, and Kim Min-jae is at the top of that list. The reason is that Marquinhos is considering a new challenge following the treble. PSG has an urgent need to bolster its defensive strength.
Several defenders are being mentioned as candidates, and Campos is continuing extensive contacts in Paris to find the "perfect puzzle piece." As part of this process, a meeting with Kim Min-jae's representatives was held this week, revealing PSG's interest in concrete terms.
Aouno, a journalist knowledgeable about news from France and Spain, noted that "this meeting has not yet reached the stage of an official proposal, but it has been evaluated as a symbolic contact that formalizes the club's interest. Al Nassr has also shown interest in Kim Min-jae. The Director General of PSG, Campos, who is from Portugal, met with the agent to gauge Kim Min-jae's intentions and to explain the PSG project."
Director General Campos is a key figure in PSG's offensive moves. Especially familiar with Serie A, he has made a number of key signings such as Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, establishing the team's core. In fact, he was significantly involved in the recruitment of Lee Kang-in, demonstrating his proficiency in discovering new players. His interest in Kim Min-jae reflects the evaluation of Kim Min-jae.
Aouno emphasized that "PSG is showing greater interest in Bournemouth's Illia Zabarnyi, but with Marquinhos' uncertain future, Kim Min-jae's experience on the European stage and physical advantages are alluring elements that PSG cannot afford to miss. During the summer transfer market, Kim Min-jae's next destination is expected to gain attention once again among top European clubs."
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