The injury and transfer controversy surrounding Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) is unfolding in an increasingly complicated manner. The leadership of Bayern Munich, while denying allegations of overwork, has sparked further controversy by including the injured Kim Min-jae in the Club World Cup roster.

Max Eberl, the Director General of Bayern Munich, emphasized in an official interview on the 13th (Korean time) that "Kim Min-jae is unable to participate in normal training due to an Achilles issue, but the claim that Bayern Munich has harmed his health is not true." He continued, "We have always thoroughly managed his physical condition."

Bayern Munich recently announced its 29-man roster for the Club World Cup in the U.S., in which Kim Min-jae was also included. The news that Kim Min-jae, who has been sidelined due to injury for a period of time, is joining the Club World Cup expedition has sparked fierce criticism among fans. Particularly, this decision has amplified the controversy given the current speculation about his transfer possibilities.

Kim Min-jae has appeared in 43 matches this season, playing 3,593 minutes on the pitch. His league playtime alone amounts to 2,289 minutes, making him the player with the second-most playtime on the team after Joshua Kimmich. Most importantly, he has been struggling with an Achilles injury since last October but has continued to push through the season.

As defensive players were injured, Kim Min-jae had to play without rest. The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) even expressed concerns about overwork. Nevertheless, Kim Min-jae has played a key role in regaining the Bundesliga title, thus becoming the first Korean player to win both Serie A and the Bundesliga.

However, Bayern Munich has raised concerns about Kim Min-jae's frequent mistakes in the latter part of the season, leaving the option for his sale open. The acquisition of Jonathan Tah has also become a factor threatening Kim Min-jae's position. Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus, Inter Milan, and clubs in Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in acquiring Kim Min-jae, and Christian Falk of Bild reported that Bayern Munich is expecting a transfer fee of 30 to 35 million euros (around 46.5 billion to 54.3 billion won).

The situation is also changing for Kim Min-jae. He, who once stated, "I will survive at Bayern Munich," is now reportedly willing to consider a transfer if there is an attractive offer. Falk also confirmed that "Kim Min-jae himself has left the door open for a transfer."

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's "dual attitude" continues. They are actively denying the injury controversy while repeatedly making the contradictory choice to push forward with his participation in the Club World Cup. In fact, Kim Min-jae has already boarded the plane for the Club World Cup expedition to the U.S., and Bayern Munich has even kept the possibility of him participating in the group stage open.

The issue is that the effects of the injury have not yet healed. Kim Min-jae ultimately missed games due to injury at the end of the season, and he is in a condition that is not yet fully fit, leading to his absence from the national team call-up. Some local media analyzed that Kim Min-jae's participation in the Club World Cup is practically doubtful.

In the meantime, Bayern has actually increased Kim Min-jae's asking price. Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, a Turkey transfer market expert, noted that "Kim Min-jae wants to go to a team that can aim for the UEFA Champions League title," adding, "However, Bayern is demanding a fee of 70 million euros (around 110.6 billion won) for Kim Min-jae."

Despite the fact that the injuries caused by overworking have pushed Kim Min-jae to this point, Bayern Munich continues to evade responsibility while trying to utilize Kim Min-jae, maintaining a dual stance. This call-up for the Club World Cup will undoubtedly make it difficult to avoid criticism from fans who see it as 'do as I say, not as I do'. The complex situation surrounding Kim Min-jae's injuries, overwork, and transfer is likely to continue throughout this summer.

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