After years of hardship, an opportunity has come. The 'complete center-back' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has emerged as a central target for Liverpool.

The British outlet OneFootball reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "Kim Min-jae's transfer value has decreased to 35 million euros (about 55.2 billion won)," noting that "this presents a golden opportunity for Liverpool, which has become vulnerable in defense." Kim Min-jae has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League multiple times in the past. Now, that dream has suddenly come closer.

Kim Min-jae has played 43 games and logged 3,593 minutes at Bayern, with 2,289 minutes in the league, the second most after Joshua Kimmich. However, behind the glory, there were shadows. He endured fatigue and did not rest despite an Achilles tendon injury, and Bayern even brought him to the Club World Cup despite his injury at the end of the season. He was unable to play and only aggravated his injury.

Bayern ultimately denied any responsibility for Kim Min-jae's injury. Director General Max Eberl strongly denied any negligence on the club's part, saying, "We have never put Kim Min-jae in danger," but the reality of the fatigue was such that even the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) expressed concern, and that reality is not easily erased.

Moreover, Bayern has started efforts to offload Kim Min-jae. Local reports in Germany indicate criticism that "there were many mistakes in the second half of the season" and that the transfer fee, which was 50 million euros, has been reduced to 35 million euros. This sends a message that "even if we incur a loss, we will let him go." Consequently, several clubs are showing interest.

Nevertheless, the market evaluation of Kim Min-jae is hot. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the loser of Ligue 1 in France and the treble champion this season, has also considered acquiring Kim Min-jae. Clubs such as Juventus and Napoli have shown interest, but the player himself prefers a move to the English Premier League (PL).

And Liverpool has emerged in the Premier League. Liverpool has already highly valued his performance since his Napoli days. Praise that "his prediction, physicality, and build-up ability are all among the best in Europe" continues even now. Notably, the fact that Liverpool is still keeping an eye on Kim Min-jae despite his absence due to injury strongly proves his abilities.

Bayern, which has signed Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, is pushing for a breakup with Kim Min-jae amid tactical reorganization. They have assessed that he is not suitable to lead their four-man defense under coach Vincent Kompany. However, considering various factors such as fatigue, it is not unreasonable to think that Kim Min-jae sensed this and decided to transfer.

Interest in a move to the Premier League is spreading beyond Liverpool, with Manchester United and Newcastle also in the mix. Proven performance, reasonable transfer fee, and preference for the PL. Kim Min-jae is now the most wanted name in the English scene. And at its center is Liverpool, seeking a new defensive leader in the post-Jürgen Klopp era.

[OSEN]