The situation is changing. Variables are emerging in the transfer scenario for Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich). Initially classified as a player to be released by the club, the response in the transfer market has surprisingly been quiet.
On the 30th (Korean time), the German local media 'FCB Inside' reported, citing the analysis of German transfer market journalist Christian Falk, "There are currently no specific offers for Kim Min-jae. This is the scenario Bayern wanted to avoid the most. If this continues, the possibility of Kim Min-jae remaining with the team next season is increasing."
The atmosphere was different just a few weeks ago. When Kim Min-jae became available in the transfer market, numerous teams, including England's Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Italy's Juventus, AC Milan, France's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, were reported to have shown interest. In particular, PSG's Director General Luis Campos discussed transfer conditions with Kim Min-jae's camp, and there were also reports of contact with Al Nassr.
It was merely speculation. Bayern sent a message to Kim Min-jae essentially saying 'it's okay to leave' and lowered the transfer fee from the original €50 million to €35 million (approximately 559 billion won), yet no official offer has come in. From the club's perspective, they hoped for a swift resolution even if it meant not recouping the amount invested at the time of acquisition, but the market response has not met expectations.
What complicated the situation further was the arrival of Jonathan Tah. Acquired as a free agent, Tah has been earmarked as Kim Min-jae's replacement, and locally, the Tah-Upamecano combination is favored as the center-back pairing for the new season. Additionally, connections with Portugal's Thomas Aarau are also being reported, leading to predominant analysis that Kim Min-jae's position has essentially disappeared.
The issue lies with Kim Min-jae's salary and his standing within the squad. For Bayern, keeping him on the bench while retaining him leads to decreased expense efficiency, and they find themselves in a complicated situation where they cannot simply release him. FCB Inside noted, "If the current situation of no offers persists, Kim Min-jae will have no choice but to remain with the team. However, this is not the ideal scenario the club hoped for."
Kim Min-jae developed into a top defender in Serie A after transferring from Jeonbuk Hyundai and the Chinese stage to Fenerbahçe and SSC Napoli, leading his team to a championship for the first time in 33 years during the 2022-2023 season, where he was simultaneously named the league's best defender and included in the Best XI. This was a record for a player of Asian nationality.
This performance naturally led to interest from European big clubs, and in the summer of 2023, Kim Min-jae donned the jersey of German Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich. He played as a key defender early in the season, maintaining a starting position, but due to physical strain and injuries in the second half, his playing time decreased, and a 'burnout controversy' arose following a grueling schedule.
Last season, Kim Min-jae dealt with various injuries, including Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, lower back injuries, and sore throats. Nevertheless, he participated in 43 of the 50 matches the team played (3 goals), with a total playing time of 3,593 minutes, the second most in the team behind Joshua Kimmich. Despite injuries, he was a 'ironman' who dedicated himself and led the team to the Bundesliga title.
After the season ended, the reality was 'uncertain regarding whether to remain'. His standing within the team has diminished, and the club has clarified its direction by acquiring a replacement. However, with interest in Kim Min-jae not translating into 'action' at this time, Bayern Munich may need to revise their plans once again.
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