It seems that they view a real player as an object.
The Director General of Bayern, Max Eberl, opened by saying on the 13th (Korean time), "Kim Min-jae is unable to train normally due to his Achilles tendon. However, we have heard many comments suggesting that we endangered Kim Min-jae's health." He then asserted, "We have not worsened Kim Min-jae's injury at all. Rather, we have consistently managed everything while controlling his situation well."
On the 10th, Bayern announced its 29-player roster heading to the U.S. through the club's website, which included Kim Min-jae's name. With transfer rumors running rampant, the released roster has not garnered positive attention from fans.
Kim Min-jae is facing a possibility of parting ways with Bayern this summer. He has played 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes in all competitions while wearing Bayern's uniform this season, contributing 2,289 minutes solely in the league. This is the second most playing time on the team, following Joshua Kimmich. Notably, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles tendon injury since October of last year while enduring a grueling schedule.
Even when Kim Min-jae needed rest, he was unable to properly recover due to fellow teammates' injuries and continued to guard Bayern's defense. He has become an "icon of overwork," to the extent that the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) expressed concerns. Thanks to him, Bayern reclaimed the Meisterschale (Bundesliga championship trophy) that they had lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae also became the first Korean player to conquer two of Europe's top five leagues.
After lifting the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season, Kim Min-jae successfully conquered the Bundesliga as well. However, Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae. Local reports have criticized his excessive mistakes in the second half of the season. Bayern's board wishes to sell Kim Min-jae for a sum between €30 million (about 46.5 billion won) and €35 million (about 54.3 billion won) if a suitable offer comes in, and they have already acquired Jónatan Tavares.
There are no shortage of teams wanting Kim Min-jae. Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs from Saudi Arabia have shown interest. According to Christian Falk of Bild, Bayern hopes to garner between €30 million (about 46.5 billion won) and €35 million (about 54.3 billion won) from the sale of Kim Min-jae.
Kim Min-jae, who has 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 sting of criticism regarding his performances in Munich."
Bayern's publicity regarding Kim Min-jae's transfer continues. Nonetheless, it is still believed locally that the overwork from last season is holding him back. In fact, Bayern is reportedly trying to take Kim Min-jae to the Club World Cup, which may be beyond what is reasonable. Still, due to his impressive performances, he is being linked with several big clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Liverpool.
Kim Min-jae missed the end of the season due to an injury. His recovery has been delayed to the point of missing the June international matches. Local media have speculated that participation in the Club World Cup is virtually impossible. However, Bayern's decision to call him up has shocked many. The club wishes for Kim Min-jae to at least play in the playoffs, even if he cannot participate in the group stage.
Bayern also released footage of Kim Min-jae boarding the flight to the U.S. through the club's social media. In the video, Kim Min-jae was seen departing with bright smiles along with Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, and Thomas Müller. Additionally, the possibility remains open for him to be deployed in the group stage matches against Oakland City (16th), Benfica, Boca Juniors, and others.
There are analyses suggesting that Kim Min-jae's position may become more ambiguous due to competition with Jónatan Tavares, who joined from Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Bayern simultaneously announced the group stage roster for the Club World Cup and unveiled the new uniform for the 2024-2025 season. Kim Min-jae, caught up in transfer rumors, has become a model for the new uniform, provoking more complicated public opinion.
Meanwhile, Max Eberl, the Director General of Bayern, directly mentioned Kim Min-jae in a press conference held ahead of the Club World Cup. While the situation is concerning, the main point regarding Kim Min-jae revolves around his 'injury.' He denied rumors suggesting that Kim Min-jae's injury worsened due to overwork by Bayern.
Eberl, the Director General of Bayern, stated, "Kim Min-jae is unable to train normally due to his Achilles tendon. However, we have heard many comments suggesting that we endangered Kim Min-jae's health." He then asserted, "We have not worsened Kim Min-jae's injury at all. Rather, we have consistently managed everything while controlling his situation well."
Denying the overwork, Eberl, the Director General of Bayern, emphasized, "Kim Min-jae only said that he wants to rest and recover his health. He plans to rejoin the team after resuming training in a few days. And when he returns, the competition for a starting position will begin. There are many defenders, so Kim Min-jae will have to compete as well."
Contrary to its initial stance, Bayern is also raising Kim Min-jae's asking price. Turkish transfer market expert Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported on his social media, "Kim Min-jae wants to play for a team with a high chance of winning the UEFA Champions League (UCL). However, Bayern is actually raising Kim Min-jae's transfer fee, demanding €70 million (about 110.6 billion won)."
The contradictory behavior of Bayern denying overwork while simultaneously raising his value raises concerns that it may block Kim Min-jae's future.
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