Interest in Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) in the summer transfer market is growing increasingly intense. French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr have both entered the race for his signing. In contrast, the possibility of a return to his former team, SSC Napoli, is deemed "virtually impossible" locally.

French 'Foot Mercato' also reported on the 12th (Korea time) that "Al Nassr has been engaged in very aggressive negotiations with Kim Min-jae’s side in recent days." The atmosphere suggests that the player views this transfer as "a new challenge," and the financial conditions are considered attractive.

Three of the four teams in the domestic league, which are majority-held by the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Funds (PIF), have reached out to Kim Min-jae with inquiries, and recently Al Nassr has shown the most active movement. Saudi 'Al Marsad Sports' reported that "Al Nassr is preparing the €50 million (approximately 78.7 billion won) transfer fee requested by Munich for Kim Min-jae."

French 'Foot Mercato' also reported that "Al Nassr has been engaged in very aggressive negotiations with Kim Min-jae’s side in recent days," adding that "the player views this transfer as 'a new challenge' and finds the financial conditions attractive."

Internal developments at Bayern are also heightening the likelihood of Kim Min-jae's transfer. Bayern has recently signed Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and has begun a restructuring of its defense under new manager Vincent Kompany. Local media have reported that Munich has made a counteroffer to Premier League clubs for Kim Min-jae’s transfer fee with a 30% discount.

According to British 'TBR Football', "Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United have shown interest in signing Kim Min-jae." Particularly, Tottenham is focusing on Kim Min-jae as a potential substitute due to the increased likelihood of Cristian Romero’s summer transfer.

On the other hand, the recent rumors about Kim Min-jae returning to Napoli have been deemed nearly unrealistic. Italian 'Area Napoli' reported that "under manager Antonio Conte, Napoli is focusing on strengthening the right center-back position, and Kim Min-jae is not prioritized due to high salary issues and team considerations."

Local experts have also noted that "the rumors of Kim Min-jae’s return are more of a fan's hope." Napoli is evaluating realistic signing targets, including Bologna’s Sam Boezekema and Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.

Currently, Kim Min-jae has been included in Bayern Munich's roster for the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on the 16th in the United States. His status as a starting player is uncertain, but there remains a possibility he could participate in group stage matches depending on the schedule. Following the conclusion of the Club World Cup, Kim Min-jae's transfer negotiations are expected to gain momentum.

With the strong push from Saudi 'oil money' and interest from PSG and Premier League big clubs, whether Kim Min-jae remains in Europe and his new destination have emerged as one of the summer transfer market's primary concerns.

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