Barcelona is keeping an eye on Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich). However, there are considerable practical barriers to starting concrete negotiations.
TZ's Philipp Kessler reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "Barcelona has explored the possibility of signing Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. Director General Deku evaluated that both players can deliver outstanding performances in a high defensive line."
Bayern Munich has utilized a tactical approach that drastically raised their defensive line since last season. Under the philosophy of coach Vincent Kompany, Kim Min-jae and Upamecano quickly became starters, while Eric Dier, who has relatively slower speed, spent a lot of time on the bench. Before the season began, De Ligt transferred to Manchester United.
Barcelona is also employing a similar tactical approach. Since the appointment of coach Flick, they have maintained a high defensive line, blocking opposing attacks with a precise offside trap. However, veteran defenders like Inigo Martinez and Pau Kimpembe showed limitations in speed, and there was a significant risk of conceding goals if the offside line broke.
Pichajes reported that "Barcelona is looking for center-back resources in the Bundesliga. Under coach Flick, the center-back position is key to the tactics. Kim Min-jae and Upamecano are resources capable of fulfilling this role."
Barcelona struggled against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League last season. A representative example was when starting defender Ronald Araujo was on the field, and the offside line broke, putting them at risk of elimination. Analysts noted that this experience highlighted the need for a fast defender like Kim Min-jae.
However, there are many hurdles to overcome before any actual transfer occurs. Kessler noted that "there are no concrete negotiations underway with Bayern Munich. Barcelona plans to pursue the acquisition of Kim Min-jae or Upamecano only if Araujo transfers," explaining that a new financial investment is difficult without selling players.
Barcelona has been suffering from serious financial difficulties over the past few seasons. Under La Liga's salary aggregate limit and financial fair play regulations, any new acquisitions must be preceded by the cleaning up of existing resources.
Kim Min-jae faced a tough time at Bayern Munich last season. After suffering an Achilles tendon injury in the middle of the season, he continued playing without proper treatment, leading to a decline in performance and repeated critical mistakes. There was also severe criticism from the German media.
Perspectives on the possibility of a transfer are mixed. Coach Kompany still views Kim Min-jae as a strategically important player. Kessler stated that "Coach Kompany plans to have Upamecano as a starter next season but is also positively evaluating Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae has recovered from his injuries and is in good condition."
However, the club's executives have a different assessment. Director General Max Eberl said, "Kim Min-jae and Joao Palhinha will remain with the team until the Club World Cup, but there could be changes depending on the transfer market situation."
Kim Min-jae has been linked with several big clubs, including PSG, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli. Saudi Arabia has also shown consistent interest. This is the first time rumors of a transfer to Barcelona have emerged.
If Kim Min-jae dons the Barcelona jersey, it will mark a milestone as the first Korean player to step onto the first-team stage. At the same time, he will have the opportunity to take on a new challenge as a resource suitable for coach Flick's defensive strategy.
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