Bayern Munich has officially begun reorganizing its defensive line this summer, and the prospects for Kim Min-jae's (28) future are increasingly uncertain. German media has already reported that Kim Min-jae is included in the club's internal sale list and identified a Chelsea prospect as a potential replacement.
Bild reported on the 8th (Korean time) that 'it is no longer a secret that Bayern Munich is focusing on strengthening the left winger position. However, center-back resources are also included in the reorganization.'
Kim Min-jae is a key defender for the South Korean national team, having spent his first season in Germany last season. He entered the European stage in 2021 through Turkey's Fenerbahçe after playing with Jeonbuk Hyundai and Beijing Guoan, and rose to prominence in the European stage by donning the Napoli jersey in the 2022-2023 season.
His performance in Italy's Serie A was dazzling. Kim Min-jae secured a starting position from his first season with Napoli and made a significant contribution to the league title win after 33 years, quickly emerging as the league's best defender. He was also named to the Serie A Best Defender and Team of the Year, making a name for himself across Europe.
Based on that performance, Bayern Munich sent an active love call last summer, and Kim Min-jae chose the German stage instead of moving to the Premier League. Until early in the season, he was used as a starting center-back for Munich. However, as time passed, declines in performance and physical strain combined, and he lost his starting position to Eric Dier, who was acquired during the winter transfer window.
Ahead of the 2024-2025 season, head coach Vincent Kompany, who took the helm at Munich, used Kim Min-jae as one of the key components of the defensive strategy, renewing his trust. However, Kim Min-jae continued to play the season without adequate rest, and combined with declining performance in the second half, he faced criticism due to some critical mistakes.
Ultimately, transfer rumors regarding Kim Min-jae have resurfaced in Germany. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg noted that 'Bayern Munich has not classified Kim Min-jae as absolutely non-transferable. They will not force a transfer, but they are open to examining the transfer if a satisfactory offer arrives.'
Additionally, 'Bild' reported that 'young defender Renato Veiga from Chelsea has emerged as a target for Munich,' and 'Bayern scouts have been continuously observing Veiga for several weeks. However, his acquisition hinges on one precondition: Kim Min-jae must first leave the team for Veiga's transfer to be possible.'
In other words, there is an analysis that Veiga could transfer as a replacement for Kim Min-jae's position. Bild reported, 'Kim Min-jae's name is on Bayern Munich's internal sale candidate list,' highlighting the situation at Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, last April, Kim Min-jae stated, 'I have no reason to leave. I want to stay here longer. However, all possibilities are open. I want to prepare for next season in good health.'
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