Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) may be heading to the French stage. Claims have emerged that his return to Serie A is realistically difficult.
France's 'Foot Mercato' reported on the 8th (Korean time), "Luis Campos, Director General of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), met with Kim Min-jae's agent! PSG is looking to strengthen its defense, especially seeking a right center-back. And they are considering acquiring Kim Min-jae." This is a report from the credible journalist Santi Aouna in France.
The media reported, "According to the latest information, Director Campos had a meeting with Kim Min-jae's agent. It is a well-known fact that PSG is looking for a right center-back. Names of several players, from Mario Hila (Lazio) to Ilia Zabarnyi (Bournemouth), have already been floated."
Kim Min-jae has been added to the list. Foot Mercato explained, "Recent reports from several sources indicate that the PSG board is interested in Kim Min-jae, who plays for Bayern. This was confirmed by the fact that Director Campos met with Kim Min-jae's agent this week in Paris. This meeting is a clear example of PSG's interest."
However, it seems to still be in the early stages. The media added, "PSG has yet to send a transfer proposal to Kim Min-jae, and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr is also showing interest. However, this meeting provided insights into Director Campos's interest in Kim Min-jae."
Kim Min-jae was listed for sale by Bayern this summer. The Bayern board is reportedly willing to send Kim Min-jae abroad if appropriate offers are received. They have already strengthened their defense by acquiring German national center-back Jonathan Tah.
Kim Min-jae has been tirelessly running this season. He has played 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes in a Bayern uniform across all competitions, with 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 playing through an Achilles injury since last October and has not been able to rest properly, especially with teammates frequently injured.
Thanks to him, 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 win titles in two of Europe's top five leagues. After lifting the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, he succeeded in winning the Bundesliga as well.
Nevertheless, Kim Min-jae has not been able to avoid criticism for making too many mistakes in the second half of the season. Ultimately, Kim Min-jae, who always shouted about proving himself by remaining at Bayern, has changed his mind. Christian Falk, a journalist for 'Bild', noted, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. He is not opposed to leaving the team if he receives an attractive offer. He has deeply felt the criticism regarding his performance in Munich."
As Kim Min-jae has entered the transfer market, many big clubs have shown interest. This includes Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United from the Premier League, as well as Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan from Serie A, and clubs from Saudi Arabia.
In particular, Serie A clubs, who have not forgotten Kim Min-jae's performances during his time at Napoli, are reaching out to him. Upon joining Napoli in the summer of 2022, Kim Min-jae showcased solid defense, earning the nickname "The Blue Iron Pillar." He led Napoli to the league's least goals conceded and a Serie A title for the first time in 33 years with his world-class performances throughout the season.
Because of this, Milan, who fell to 8th place in Serie A last season, is paying close attention to Kim Min-jae. Italy's 'Gazzetta dello Sport' claimed, "Kim Min-jae became a German champion with Bayern, but he has been unable to replicate the level he showed in Italy. Bayern has decided to release him, and he has requested a famous agent to find him a new position. Serie A is where Kim Min-jae had the best season of his career."
The media also mentioned, "Milan has emerged as one of the leading destinations, especially because manager Massimiliano Allegri holds Kim Min-jae in high regard," and added, "Bayern has given Kim Min-jae the opportunity to leave, which could enhance the potential for negotiations. However, for now, economic factors are complicating the negotiations. Bayern is not considering a loan and wants over €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won) for a transfer fee."
Additionally, Bayern is pursuing Milan's key winger Rafael Leão. This has led to speculation that Kim Min-jae could be used as a trade chip.
According to Italy's 'Milan News', Bayern has already proposed €70 million (approximately 108.6 billion won) plus Kim Min-jae to Milan. However, Milan is facing challenges as they are only willing to seriously consider offers exceeding the buyout amount of €130 million (approximately 201.7 billion won) for Leão.
Moreover, reports have emerged that Kim Min-jae is not particularly interested in moving to Italy. Germany's 'Sport Bild' stated, "For now, Kim Min-jae's return to Serie A, linked to AC Milan, is not a serious topic for discussion."
Kim Min-jae's salary is also a hindrance. Gazzetta dello Sport pointed out that Kim Min-jae earns a very high salary, ranging from €8 million (approximately 12.4 billion won) to €9 million (approximately 14 billion won) annually, including bonuses, making negotiations with Milan difficult.
In contrast, PSG, backed by Qatari capital, has a different level of financial capability compared to Italian clubs. If PSG genuinely pursues the acquisition of Kim Min-jae, they will be able to accommodate his salary, which might be the best option for Kim Min-jae.
This season, PSG, which achieved a quadruple including the UEFA Champions League title, is nearing a parting with center-back Marquinhos, born in 1994. Foot Mercato reported, "Campos is trying to find the perfect candidate during a time when Marquinhos is contemplating his future. Although he will likely remain with the team after recently winning the Champions League, he may spend his last season wearing a PSG uniform."
In the meantime, Kim Min-jae has caught the attention of Director Campos. However, it remains to be seen whether PSG's interest will lead to an actual acquisition. Foot Mercato noted, "German media reported that Bayern is dissatisfied with Kim Min-jae's performance. Especially considering the recent acquisition of Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen, it is said that they would not oppose Kim Min-jae's transfer this summer."
The media continued, "Kim Min-jae, who is under contract until June 2028 and valued at €40 million (approximately 62 billion won), is desired by Bayern at €50 million (approximately 77.6 billion won). It is still uncertain whether PSG, showing great interest in acquiring Zabarnyi, will further pursue Kim Min-jae."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Foot Mercato, Bayern Munich, 365 Scores social media.
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