Are national team duo Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) and Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) going to play on the same team?
British 'Tribal Football' reported on the 10th that South Korean national team defender Kim Min-jae has received offers from various Premier League teams, including Tottenham. Last season, Kim Min-jae led Vincent Kompany's Munich to the top of the Bundesliga. However, his standing diminished with the signing of Jonathan Tah. Munich is considering either transferring Kim Min-jae or Dayot Upamecano.
Tottenham attempted to sign Kim Min-jae in 2019 when José Mourinho was the head coach. Mourinho strongly recommended him, but Tottenham's upper management rejected the move, resulting in the transfer not going through. Since then, Kim Min-jae has succeeded in Turkey and Italy, growing into a world-class defender.
Afterward, Mourinho noted, "We could have brought Kim Min-jae at a low price. However, Tottenham's upper management did not listen."
Bayern Munich paid £51 million (about 93.7 billion won) to acquire Kim Min-jae in 2023. Currently, Kim Min-jae's market value has dropped to £35 million (about 64.3 billion won).
The problem is that other Premier League teams are also eyeing Kim Min-jae. Premier League champions Liverpool, along with prestigious clubs Chelsea and Newcastle, are interested in Kim Min-jae.
British media, including 'Cut Offside', reported on the 7th that "the likelihood of Kim Min-jae moving to England is increasing. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle are competing for Kim Min-jae. The player also prefers a move to the Premier League."
Liverpool believes that Kim Min-jae's lower market value makes him competitive for the price. The media reported, "Kim Min-jae has shown somewhat lackluster performance at Munich and is open to a transfer. Munich is willing to negotiate by reducing Kim Min-jae's market value from €50 million to €35 million (about 54.2 billion won). This presents a good opportunity for Liverpool."
'Tribal Football' stated, "Kim Min-jae and Son Heung-min have played 57 matches together on the South Korean national team. They have a great record of 30 wins, 18 draws, and 9 losses. If Kim Min-jae transfers to Tottenham, the two players could reunite in North London. However, with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal targeting Son Heung-min, there are variables to consider," highlighting the possibility of a chain transfer involving Son Heung-min.
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