Bayern Munich has officially commenced restructuring its defensive line. After proactively acquiring Jonathan Tah, the team is also considering Chelsea’s promising player, Beiga, as a potential replacement depending on the future of Kim Min-jae.
A Bayern insider said on the 9th (Korea time), "Bayern Munich, having signed Tah, is reviewing the possibility of acquiring an additional defender, keeping in mind the likelihood of Kim Min-jae's departure. Kim Min-jae has not played a single minute in the Club World Cup. His standing within the team is uncertain," the insider reported.
The insider continued, "There are indications that Coach Kompany does not evaluate Kim Min-jae as a central component of the team. As a result, the possibility of his transfer in this summer's transfer market has significantly increased," and noted, "Beiga is being considered as a candidate in case Kim Min-jae leaves."
Kim Min-jae showed stable performances in the first half of last season and succeeded in bouncing back; however, from the second half of the season, he repeated poor performances due to a rapid decline in fitness and the impact of injuries. Several mistakes have led to critical outcomes, and local public opinion has also turned cold against him. Consequently, Bayern Munich is realistically reviewing scenarios to put Kim Min-jae in the transfer market.
The addition of Jonathan Tah is a direct pressure on Kim Min-jae. Tah is a key defender from Bayer Leverkusen and a member of the German national team that achieved an unbeaten championship in the 2023-2024 season. Bayern Munich's swift acquisition of Tah before the season opener shows a strong commitment to rearranging the defense. Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae has made the roster post-injury recovery but has not been able to seize any playing opportunities.
European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano also backed Bayern Munich's plans for defensive restructuring. He stated on the 2nd, "Bayern Munich has listed Beiga among its top candidates for defensive reinforcement. The specifics will depend on whether Kim Min-jae is transferred and the timing of negotiations."
Beiga, born in 2003, is a promising Portuguese player who primarily uses his left foot and is a versatile resource. He can play as a center-back, as well as a side defender and central midfielder. He is a product of Sporting's youth academy, blossomed in Basel, and then transferred to Chelsea. However, he has not been given playing opportunities at Chelsea and was loaned to Juventus last season, where he scored 1 goal in 15 matches.
Chelsea is in a position to allow Beiga's transfer. Romano noted, "Beiga can leave Chelsea. Currently, several clubs are monitoring his situation." Bild reported, "Should Bayern Munich pursue Beiga's acquisition, a transfer fee of £30 million (56 billion won) may be required."
Bayern Munich's Director General Max Eberl said right after the Club World Cup match on the 30th of last month, "Kim Min-jae and Palhinha are included in the squad for the tournament, and we will monitor the trends in the transfer market thereafter."
No specific offers or negotiations have started yet. However, interest in Kim Min-jae varies among Liverpool, PSG, AC Milan, and clubs in Saudi Arabia. If the transfer materializes, Munich will form a new combination with Tah.
[OSEN]