Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) displayed a fighting spirit despite his injury, but was overlooked in evaluations in Germany.

The German soccer specialized media Kicker revealed the ranking list for the second half of the 2024-2025 season on the 17th (Korea time).

The ranking metric, which divides Bundesliga players' abilities into three levels, is classified as "world-class (WK)," "international class (IK)," and "national class (NK)."

Kim Min-jae ranked 6th in the IK category during the first half. However, he was not included in any of the three categories in the second half.

Kicker noted, "Kim Min-jae's condition deteriorated due to an Achilles injury after October. With the addition of competitors like Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Ito, he couldn't maintain his class."

Despite Upamecano missing many matches in the second half, he was included in the NK category. Eric Dier, who was pushed to a backup role midway through the season, also made the same ranking. Kim Min-jae has been a central figure in the defense line but was excluded unlike them.

Kim Min-jae was not at 100% condition due to injuries during the second half of the 2024-2025 season, but he exhibited a "fighting spirit through injury." TZ reported at the time, "Kim Min-jae played despite pain in his left Achilles tendon and received painkillers for pain in his right knee."

The series of injuries among his fellow defenders led to a chain reaction for Kim Min-jae. In the absence of Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito, he supported the defense line alone.

Kim Min-jae participated in 27 out of 34 Bundesliga matches and 13 out of 14 UEFA Champions League (UCL) games. He faced extreme physical exertion, but he played steadfastly for the team throughout the season.

However, the evaluation he received was lower than that of Upamecano and Dier, who warmed the bench.

Surprisingly, there are reports that Bayern wants to sell Kim Min-jae this summer.

For now, Kim Min-jae is staying in the United States for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He was included in Bayern's roster and joined the local team. However, he has not yet participated in any matches due to the lingering effects of his injury.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France, clubs in Italy's Serie A, England's Premier League (EPL), and clubs in Saudi Arabia are pursuing the acquisition of Kim Min-jae.

[OSEN]