Is Min-jae Kim (29, Bayern Munich), who has been overworked, suddenly needed again?
Bayern Munich will face Benfica in the 3rd match of Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup, held on the 25th at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Munich crushed Auckland 10-0 in the first match of the Club World Cup on the 16th. Munich secured their spot in the finals with a 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors on the 21st. Benfica is also in a strong position for the round of 16 with 1 win and 1 draw, sitting in 2nd place in the group.
Currently, Min-jae Kim is staying in the U.S. for Bayern Munich's participation in the Club World Cup. He returned from an Achilles injury and took part in his first training on the 22nd. There are predictions that Min-jae Kim may make his debut on the 25th against Benfica.
Jonathan Tah, who was acquired from Bayer Leverkusen, started as a center-back in his debut for Munich, playing the full match in place of Min-jae Kim. Tah, who was part of Leverkusen's undefeated championship team, was brought in as a replacement for Kim. There is a prevailing pessimism that even if Kim stays with Munich next season, he will fall to a backup role behind Tah.
The situation changed rapidly. Jonathan Tah made a serious mistake in the match against Boca Juniors and showed poor form. German media began to criticize Tah, who had been praised before. There has been a call to keep Min-jae Kim on hand as insurance in case Tah performs poorly at Munich, suggesting that Kim might dramatically remain with Munich.
However, Min-jae Kim is reportedly keen on a transfer to the Premier League. On the 23rd, British outlet 'CaughtOffside' reported that "Munich has lowered Kim's transfer fee from 50 million euros to 35 million euros. Munich is willing to incur a loss of 15 million euros (approximately 23.9 billion won)."
Furthermore, the outlet added, "Min-jae Kim prefers to transfer to the Premier League. Liverpool has shown interest. Newcastle has already made attempts to contact. PSG and AC Milan are also keeping a close eye on the situation."
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