The future of South Korean national team defender Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is connected to French prospect Maxime Estève (23, Burnley).

'Bavarian Football Works' reported on the 10th (Korean time), citing German 'Bild', that if Bayern Munich's head coach Vincent Kompany (39) strongly pushes for Estève's acquisition, the possibility of Kim Min-jae's transfer will also increase.

Coach Kompany prefers Estève, who shows strengths in one-on-one defense and possesses calm buildup abilities. Last winter, Estève, who was loaned from Montpellier, started all 46 matches in the 2024-2025 Championship (second division).

As Estève had shared the last season with Coach Kompany in Burnley, he knows the required style well. If Coach Kompany wants such Estève, Bayern Munich may consider sending out Kim Min-jae.

Kim Min-jae played through Achilles pain during the 2024-2025 season. Despite injuries to Hiroki Ito and Dayo Upamecano, Kim Min-jae demonstrated determination and filled the defensive gap.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere is ultimately becoming one of expulsion. Kim Min-jae is expected to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup set to be held in the U.S. starting on the 15th, but the outlook for next season is not bright. Fortunately, many clubs are interested in acquiring Kim Min-jae.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has a strong interest in Kim Min-jae. Director General Luis Campos has been monitoring Kim Min-jae for a long time since his time at Fenerbahçe (Turkey). Teams interested in Kim Min-jae include PSG, Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), and AC Milan (Italy).

Bayern Munich wants to sell Kim Min-jae for around 50 million euros (approximately 77.7 billion won), which is similar to the transfer fee with which they acquired him. Kim Min-jae wishes to remain, but if Estève joins, a transfer may be inevitable.

Kim Min-jae is a player with a strong desire to participate in matches. However, Dayo Upamecano and newly acquired Jonathan Tah are likely to establish themselves as the new starting center-back duo. If Estève also joins, it will essentially eliminate Kim Min-jae's place.

It remains unclear what rotation policy Coach Kompany will adopt. However, there is a high possibility of significant changes in the Bayern Munich defense, which had revolved around Kim Min-jae.

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