It is literally an unprecedented transfer rumor. Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is reportedly receiving interest from FC Barcelona, the defending champion of La Liga.
German media outlet 'TZ' reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "Barcelona inquired about the possibility of signing two central defenders, Dayo Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, from Bayern. This inquiry is part of a strategic plan to prepare for the potential departure of their starting center-back, Ronald Araújo."
The outlet noted that "Barcelona's Deco, the sporting director, highly evaluates Upamecano's playing style and Kim Min-jae's strengths, particularly his build-up and tackling abilities. Both players are expected to fit well into the system of coach Hansi Flick, which pursues tactics similar to those of Bayern."
Coincidentally, Kim Min-jae is at the center of transfer rumors this summer. He reached the peak of his career when he transferred from Napoli to Bayern in 2023. Upon joining Napoli, he showcased solid defense and led the team to win Serie A before quickly moving to Germany for a new challenge.
However, Kim Min-jae has not lived up to expectations on the German stage. He has been forced to endure a rigorous schedule since his debut season, exacerbated by frequent injuries to his teammates. Consequently, his mistakes increased, and he has faced significant criticism from local media.
In fact, Kim Min-jae played 43 games totaling 3,593 minutes in a Bayern uniform last season, with 2,289 minutes in the league alone. This makes him the second player on the team in terms of minutes played, after Joshua Kimmich.
Notably, since last October, Kim Min-jae has been coping with an Achilles injury while continuing to play. Even when rest was needed, he couldn’t take a break due to the injuries suffered by his teammates and consistently held down Bayern's defense.
Thanks to this, Bayern reclaimed the Meisterschale (the Bundesliga championship trophy) that they lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Kim Min-jae also became the first Korean player to win two of Europe's top five leagues. He lifted the Serie A championship trophy with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season and managed to win the Bundesliga as well.
Nevertheless, Bayern is considering parting ways with Kim Min-jae. The Bayern board wants to send Kim Min-jae abroad if they receive adequate offers, having already signed German national team center-back Jonathan Tah. Kim Min-jae has consistently expressed his desire to stay and prove himself, but internally, there seems to be pressure to push him out.
TZ pointed out that Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are in different situations. The outlet reported, "Bayern has not reached an agreement to renew Upamecano's contract. There is a significant difference in the financial expectations of both sides. Many other top European clubs are also paying attention to this matter," stating, "There are countless clubs interested in Upamecano. However, the plan of coach Vincent Kompany is clear: he will play as the starting center-back for Bayern next season."
In contrast, Kim Min-jae has been mentioned as a candidate for sale. TZ explained, "Kim Min-jae's situation is different. He returned after months of dealing with an Achilles injury but is listed for sale. In May, the club suggested the possibility of a transfer to him, as it was expected that Eric Dier would remain at the club then."
The outlet added, "The sale of Kim Min-jae is undoubtedly a good opportunity. Bayern needs income to prepare for additional signing funds. However, no concrete offers have been received yet."
For now, coach Kompany wants to continue with the Upamecano-Kim Min-jae duo next season. According to TZ, both players are drawing interest from European clubs, but at this stage, Kompany intends to keep both of them on the team. Of course, the plans could change depending on the movements of other teams in the remaining summer transfer market.
If Kim Min-jae heads to Barcelona, he will write an unprecedented career that spans Napoli, Bayern, and Barcelona. This would be a record that no other player in the history of Asian football possesses.
However, for Barcelona to sign Kim Min-jae, disposing of Araújo is essential. TZ reported, "Barcelona appears to need to sell players directly to secure transfer funds. The club's finances are in a very difficult situation." They are keeping an eye on new opportunities, such as selling Araújo.
As things stand, there is also a sufficient possibility that Kim Min-jae could remain at Bayern and earn another opportunity. Although the board is considering selling him, the most important factor is that coach Kompany has included him in his plans. At this stage, how seriously other teams pursue Kim Min-jae's signing and whether they can persuade coach Kompany will be the significant variables.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (not to be reproduced or redistributed without permission), Bayern Munich social media.
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