It's crazy! Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr) wants 'The Wall' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich).
French outlet 'Foot Mercato' reported on the 13th that the Saudi Pro League giant Al Nassr is actively pursuing the signing of Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. The South Korean center-back, who joined Bayern Munich from Napoli in 2023 for a transfer fee of 50 million euros (about 78.9 billion won), has appeared in 27 matches for his current team to help secure the Bundesliga title last season.
This is shocking news. Kim Min-jae has been caught up in transfer rumors this summer more than once. However, big European clubs such as Juventus, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Inter Milan have been mentioned. The idea of moving to the Saudi league was brought up for the first time.
Kim Min-jae is entering the prime of his career and is performing as one of the best center-backs in Europe. He has contributed to Bayern Munich's Bundesliga title as a starting center-back. It is hard to imagine him going to Saudi Arabia, where veterans in the twilight of their careers are heading. However, it is not a bad thing that his value is recognized in Saudi Arabia.
The outlet explained, 'Although Kim Min-jae suffered an Achilles injury early in the season, he has played a key role in Bayern's defense. With the signing of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, manager Vincent Kompany may be open to allowing Kim Min-jae's transfer. Al Nassr is currently in negotiations to bring Kim Min-jae on board.'
If Kim Min-jae joins, Al Nassr could immediately rise to become the top team in Asia. Al Nassr has been outpaced by rivals Al Hilal and Al Ahli in the Saudi league. There are criticisms that Ronaldo has also not won any titles.
However, it is questionable whether Kim Min-jae, who is entering the prime of his playing career, would choose to go to Saudi Arabia for money, turning down the best league in the world.
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