FC Barcelona's interest in Min-jae Kim (28, Bayern Munich) has resurfaced. With his return from injury, he has been named among potential transfer candidates, and the Spanish prestigious club has begun to take concrete steps.
The German daily 'TZ' reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "FC Barcelona inquired about two central defenders from Bayern Munich: Dayot Upamecano and Min-jae Kim." In particular, Min-jae Kim is classified as a potential sale target within the club, which increases the likelihood of a transfer.
According to reports, Barcelona is reviewing multiple central defenders in preparation for the possible departure of key defender Ronald Araújo, and Sporting Director Deco holds both Min-jae Kim and Upamecano in high regard. In particular, Min-jae Kim's strengths in build-up play and man-to-man defense are analyzed to fit well with the tactical framework of newly appointed coach Hansi Flick.
Min-jae Kim concluded last season with an Achilles tendon injury, but he is currently showing signs of recovery and is preparing for his return. However, within Bayern, the possibility of Min-jae Kim's transfer has already been open since last May.
At that time, the club accepted the retention of Eric Dier as a foregone conclusion and sent signals to Min-jae Kim that 'a transfer is possible.' Dier has since transferred. If the situation hasn't changed significantly, Bayern appears to be calculating to secure transfer funds through Min-jae Kim's transfer.
Meanwhile, Upamecano is still considered a core strength of Bayern's defense. Coach Vincent Kompany plans to keep him as a starter for the upcoming season, and the club is also in discussions for a contract extension.
However, according to TZ, there are differences in positions between the club and the player, and interest from top European clubs remains, making the situation fluid. Barcelona has been keeping a close watch on Upamecano since before his transfer to RB Leipzig.
Considering Barcelona's current financial situation, prerequisites are needed for a transfer to materialize. The most realistic scenario is if Araújo's transfer is completed, creating financial capacity. In fact, Barcelona is concurrently pushing for player sales to secure transfer funds. They hold the position that they will act when 'the door opens.'
TZ reported that "Min-jae Kim is receiving interest from several clubs in Europe, but no concrete offers have come in so far." If Barcelona finalizes Araújo's transfer, Min-jae Kim could emerge as the first defensive acquisition candidate under coach Flick.
According to the explanation, Flick has already analyzed Min-jae Kim multiple times during his tenure as the head coach of the German national team, and he aims for a defensive structure similar to that during his time at Bayern, ensuring sufficient tactical connectivity.
At this point, Min-jae Kim is included in Coach Kompany's plans, but Bayern is leaving open the possibility of using him as a 'strategic sale card' if necessary. Conversely, if the reasonable transfer fee and timing align, Min-jae Kim's potential move within Europe has a tangible possibility.
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