'Wall' Kim Min-jae (29, Munich) is likely to be benched.
Kim Min-jae is currently in the United States for Bayern Munich's participation in the Club World Cup. He is unable to play yet due to an Achilles injury. To be fit for the next season, it is better for Kim Min-jae to focus on rehabilitation. Munich included Kim Min-jae, who is not at 100%, in the U.S. expedition as a precaution for potential participation.
It is an unfortunate situation for Kim Min-jae. If he cannot play in the Club World Cup anyway, it is better to focus on rehabilitation for the next season. Munich has already excluded Kim Min-jae from the core lineup for the next season.
Kim Min-jae's position is shaky. Jonathan Tah, who was recruited from Bayer Leverkusen, started as a center back instead of Kim Min-jae and played the full match in his debut. Tah, a member of Leverkusen's unbeaten championship team, was brought in as a replacement for Kim Min-jae.
In Germany, some are pessimistic, saying, 'Even if Kim Min-jae stays with Munich next season, he will be demoted to a reserve role behind Jonathan Tah.' From Kim Min-jae's perspective, it would be better to transfer to a team where he can play during this summer's transfer market.
German European football expert Christian Falk reported, 'Munich has not yet made a decision regarding Kim Min-jae. No negotiations have been conducted with the player's side. There is a possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia. Kim Min-jae's side has not ruled out this possibility. Two Premier League teams are interested in Kim Min-jae.'
If Kim Min-jae moves to Saudi Arabia, he could earn a lot of money. However, it is unrealistic for a world-class player in his prime to go to Saudi Arabia. Kim Min-jae still wants to compete at a big club.
A move to the Premier League remains the best option for Kim Min-jae. Champion Liverpool and big club Manchester United want Kim Min-jae. Whichever team he joins would be a good choice. The fact that both teams have weak defenses is also enhancing Kim Min-jae's value.
Falk noted, 'Liverpool is still interested in Kim Min-jae. Manchester United has been watching Kim Min-jae for a long time. Manchester United requested Kim Min-jae's transfer once again last summer,' increasing the likelihood of a move.
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