As rumors of Kim Min-jae's (28, Bayern Munich) transfer continue, the Director General of Bayern Munich has directly addressed the controversy surrounding injury management. Max Eberl, the Director General of Bayern Munich, denies the recent accusations of overwork and claims that they have been actively managing Kim Min-jae's physical condition.

Eberl, the Director General, refuted the claims during a press conference on the 13th (Korea time), saying, 'While it is true that Kim Min-jae has not been able to participate in normal training due to an Achilles injury, it is not true that we have put his health at risk.'

'We have always thoroughly controlled and carefully managed Kim Min-jae's physical condition,' he emphasized.

On the 10th, Bayern Munich released a 29-member squad list for the Club World Cup traveling to the United States, which included Kim Min-jae's name. Amidst widespread transfer rumors, the announced roster raised concerns among fans. Kim Min-jae is currently attracting interest from clubs like PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan, Newcastle, and clubs from Saudi Arabia, and Bayern Munich is anticipating a transfer fee of €30 million to €35 million (46.5 billion to 54.3 billion won).

Kim Min-jae has played 43 matches, totaling 3,593 minutes this season, recording the second most playing time in the team next to Joshua Kimmich. Despite the Achilles injury that has persisted since last October, he continued to play without rest due to a spate of injuries among his teammates, supporting the Bayern defense. Even the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) pointed out the possibility of overwork.

In such sacrifices, Kim Min-jae made a crucial contribution to Bayern's Bundesliga title, lifting his second league trophy in the top five European leagues following his time at Serie A Napoli. However, frequent mistakes in the latter half of the season have led to increased criticism in Germany.

The Director General, Eberl, commented on Kim Min-jae's current condition, saying, 'He simply needed rest and wants to recover his health,' and noted, 'He is expected to resume training within a few days and will face tough competition for a starting position upon his return.'

However, controversy grew as Bayern Munich included Kim Min-jae in their squad for the Club World Cup. Kim Min-jae, who missed games due to injury at the end of the season, was recovering slowly to the point of missing the June A match. Some local media predicted a low chance of participation in the Club World Cup, but Bayern Munich left the door open for utilizing Kim Min-jae in the tournament stage even if he could not participate in the group stage.

Bayern Munich also shared photos of Kim Min-jae boarding a flight to the United States via the club's social media. He was spotted leaving with a bright smile alongside Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Jamal Musiala.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae himself is said to have opened the possibility of a transfer. Bild's Christian Falk reported, 'Kim Min-jae has faced a lot of criticism at Munich, and he is willing to consider a transfer if he receives an attractive offer.'

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