FC Barcelona has begun inquiries for two center backs from Bayern Munich. According to TZ on the 11th (Korean time), the targets are Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
Among them, Kim Min-jae is classified as a player with a relatively high possibility of being sold within Bayern Munich.
Barcelona is currently seeking multiple alternative resources in preparation for the potential transfer of starting defender Ronald Araújo. The Director General of Barcelona, Deco, highly values Kim Min-jae's ball skills and one-on-one defensive capabilities, and he has reportedly been assessed internally as a resource that perfectly fits the tactics under Coach Flick.
Kim Min-jae contributed to the team’s league victory by participating until the end of last season despite the effects of an Achilles injury. While focusing on rehabilitation after the injury, Bayern Munich has already shown a flexible attitude regarding Kim Min-jae's future since May.
At that time, Bayern Munich kept the possibility of transferring Kim Min-jae open while considering the retention of Eric Dier. Although Dier has since left the team, it remains a valid option for Bayern, which is undertaking financial adjustments and squad slimming.
In contrast, Upamecano, who has been mentioned alongside Kim Min-jae, is classified as a solid starter under Coach Kompany. The club has started re-signing negotiations with him and regards him as a core part of their long-term project. However, there are some differing viewpoints, so rapid changes in the situation cannot be ruled out.
From Barcelona's perspective, Kim Min-jae is a more realistic option. Coach Flick has meticulously analyzed Kim Min-jae's performance since his time as the head coach of the German national team, and since he plans to carry over some of the defensive tactics used during his time at Bayern Munich, there are no doubts about Kim Min-jae's tactical adaptability.
However, the realistic issue is Barcelona's finances. Given the club's chronic financial difficulties, selling key existing resources must precede any recruitment efforts. In particular, the possibility of Araújo's transfer has become a key variable. Without securing a transfer fee, Kim Min-jae's acquisition is deemed impossible.
TZ reported, 'Barcelona has listed multiple center backs, including Kim Min-jae, and will engage in serious negotiations if Araújo leaves the team.' While no specific offer has been received by Kim Min-jae thus far, if conditions align, there is a possibility that negotiations could progress rapidly.
Currently, Kim Min-jae is included in Coach Kompany's season plans at Munich. However, Bayern has maintained that they may consider a strategic sale depending on the circumstances, leaving ample opportunity for the situation to change as the transfer market progresses.
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