Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) has once again become the center of transfer rumors involving the Premier League. This time, Manchester United is reportedly actively exploring the possibility of signing him.
Give Me Sport reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Manchester United may revisit their pursuit of Kim Min-jae. He is already preparing for a transfer." Last year, Manchester United attempted to sign Kim Min-jae, but the move was unsuccessful, and there are indications that their interest is reigniting in this summer's transfer market.
Currently, Kim Min-jae has about three years left on his contract with Bayern Munich. However, with Bayern Munich signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, there are concerns that Kim Min-jae's position could be shaken. Manchester United is once again focusing on Kim Min-jae as they need to reorganize their defense following the departure of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. From the beginning, Kim Min-jae had been a target that Manchester United has consistently monitored.
However, Manchester United may risk diversifying their transfer budget due to several reinforcement positions this summer.
Give Me Sport noted that "Manchester United is trying to sign forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and is also pursuing the acquisition of additional attacking players," suggesting that bolstering the defense may not be the immediate priority. Moreover, the clubs showing interest in Kim Min-jae are not limited to Manchester United. Liverpool is also keeping an eye on him, indicating fierce competition ahead.
Despite serious injuries this season, Kim Min-jae has fought hard. Despite dealing with Achilles pain, he has played a total of 3,593 minutes across all competitions, the most playing time among Bayern Munich defenders. The pain started in October, but with Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Ito also suffering injuries, Kim Min-jae continued to participate.
Bayern Munich's Director General, Max Eberl, explained at a recent press conference, "We have never neglected Kim Min-jae's health issues," adding, "We have closely managed the situation with our medical staff. Kim Min-jae hopes for a quick return and is expected to join normal training soon."
However, the atmosphere within Bayern Munich has already begun to lean towards selling Kim Min-jae. Florian Plettenberg from Sky Sports Germany reported that "Kim Min-jae is one of the players Bayern Munich has designated for sale," stating that "a transfer may proceed if a suitable offer arrives. Bayern Munich has even prepared plans to reinvest the transfer fee into acquiring a new center-back."
Interest from Premier League big clubs in Kim Min-jae is gradually spreading. TBR Football reported that "top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle, are continuously monitoring Kim Min-jae's transfer situation."
In particular, if a transfer to Manchester United is realized, Kim Min-jae is expected to adapt quickly to the team. Give Me Sport emphasized that "under coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United plans to actively utilize a three-back system, which is one that Kim Min-jae is already familiar with from his time with the Korean national team." Additionally, Kim Min-jae has experience coordinating with Matthijs de Ligt during his time at Bayern Munich, having played a total of 18 matches together.
The competition for Kim Min-jae among Europe's big clubs appears to be intensifying. It is expected that not only Bayern Munich's choice but also Kim Min-jae's own decision will be a crucial variable in determining his future.
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