Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has ultimately been included in the roster for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, leading to criticism of Bayern's erratic behavior.

Bayern announced the 29-man roster heading to the U.S. on the 10th (Korea time) through the club's website, and Kim Min-jae's name was included. Amidst strong transfer rumors, the unveiled roster has not been well-received by fans.

Kim Min-jae is facing the possibility of parting ways with Bayern this summer. This season, he has played 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes in all competitions while playing 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This marks the second-most playing time on the team after Joshua Kimmich. Notably, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles injury since October of last year while carrying on.

Even in a situation where he needs rest, Kim Min-jae has not been able to rest properly due to consecutive injuries to his teammates, and he continued to strengthen Bayern's defense. He has become an 'icon of overwork' to the extent that the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) expressed concern. Thanks to him, Bayern has reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga championship trophy) that they lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae also became the first Korean player to conquer two of the top five leagues in Europe.

Kim Min-jae lifted the Serie A championship trophy while with Napoli during the 2022-2023 season and then succeeded in conquering the Bundesliga as well. However, Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae. Locally, there has been criticism stating that he has made too many mistakes in the second half of the season. The Bayern board is willing to send Kim Min-jae overseas if they receive a suitable offer and has already acquired Jonathan Tah.

There are not few teams interested in Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Saudi Arabian clubs are showing interest. According to Cristian Falk of 'Bild', Bayern hopes to make around €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won) to €35 million (approximately 54.3 billion won) from the sale of Kim Min-jae.

Kim Min-jae, who always shouted that he would prove himself by staying at Bayern, has also changed his mind. Falk noted, "Kim Min-jae is one of the candidates for release this summer. He would not hesitate to leave the team if he receives an attractive offer. He has felt the criticism of his performance in Munich acutely."

Meanwhile, Bayern's public relations concerning Kim Min-jae's transfer is ongoing. Nevertheless, locally, there is still a view that Bayern's overwork from last season is weighing on him. In fact, Bayern is known to be actively trying to take Kim Min-jae to the Club World Cup. Still, because Kim Min-jae has shown exceptional form, he is being linked to several big clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.

Kim Min-jae did not participate at all due to injury at the end of the season. His recovery from injury has been delayed to the point where he missed the June A-match. Local media has speculated that participating in the Club World Cup is practically impossible. However, Bayern shocked many by calling up Kim Min-jae. The club wants him to play in the playoffs even if he cannot participate in the group stage.

Bayern even released footage via the club's social media showing Kim Min-jae boarding a flight to the United States. In the video, Kim Min-jae is seen smiling brightly with Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, and Thomas Müller as they embark on their journey. There is even the possibility of him being deployed in the group stage matches against Auckland City (on the 16th) and Benfica, Boca Juniors, etc.

Amid the competition with Jonathan Tah, who joined from Leverkusen, there is also analysis that Kim Min-jae's position may become more ambiguous. Meanwhile, Bayern unveiled the new uniform for the 2024-2025 season simultaneously with the Club World Cup roster announcement. Kim Min-jae, caught up in transfer rumors, has become a model here, further complicating public opinion.

Among fans, there have been some critical remarks such as, "If you're going to transfer him anyway, why did you even use him as a uniform model?" It remains to be seen how Bayern's contradictory actions will ultimately conclude.

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