When Bayern Munich said to leave, FC Barcelona approached.
Philip Kessler, a journalist for the British 'Daily Mail', reported on the 11th (Korean time) that 'FC Barcelona is targeting the signings of Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. They are currently reviewing early transfers,' adding, 'Barcelona values Kim Min-jae's style very highly as part of their defensive strengthening.'
Kim Min-jae's rumored departure is one of the hottest issues in the summer transfer market. When Kim Min-jae transferred from Napoli to Munich during the 2023 summer transfer market, expectations were high. His bold forward build-up play and overwhelming physicality were expected to succeed in the Bundesliga.
However, the reality was different. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, Kim Min-jae suffered tactical mismatches. Coach Tuchel preferred stable line control and possession football, which contrasted with Kim Min-jae's aggressive style. After several mistakes, coach Tuchel publicly criticized Kim Min-jae and even showed a tendency to rely more on Eric Dier.
After coach Tuchel left, the newly appointed coach Vincent Kompany identified Kim Min-jae as a key defender and actively utilized him. However, due to numerous injuries among existing defensive resources, Kim Min-jae had to push through until the end of the season. Ultimately, he also experienced Achilles pain, but Kim Min-jae dedicated himself to the team until the end. As a result, Munich lifted the Bundesliga trophy, finishing strong.
However, the club repaid with indifference. Despite being a key figure in the Bundesliga victory, Munich classified Kim Min-jae as a candidate for sale. To prove this, they acquired Jonathan Tah and are reportedly pursuing additional center-back signings. According to a report by the German media 'Bild', if Kim Min-jae leaves in the summer transfer market, it is said that Chelsea has identified Renato Veiga as a replacement resource.
FC Barcelona's active pursuit of Kim Min-jae goes beyond mere strength reinforcement and shows great expectations for 'tactical completeness.' Director General Deku noted, 'Kim Min-jae's build-up, tackling, and pressing abilities perfectly align with coach Flick's tactics.' In fact, Barcelona considers speedy defenders like Kim Min-jae a key puzzle piece in their high-line tactics, rear build-up, and forward pressing football.
Kim Min-jae already led Napoli to a Serie A championship for the first time in 33 years and was named an All-Star and Defender of the Year. After transferring to Bayern, he contributed to the Bundesliga title and consistently played as a starter despite overexertion and injury issues. This experience supports his reputation as a 'proven winner.'
However, in a situation where defensive reorganization is urgent, Barcelona sees Kim Min-jae, who possesses both tactical completeness and experience, as the 'optimal card.' If Kim Min-jae dons the Barcelona uniform, he will write a new history as the first Asian defender to conquer all three major European leagues: Serie A (Napoli), Bundesliga (Munich), and La Liga (Barcelona).
However, within Barcelona, the signing will likely proceed only if the transfer of Ronald Araújo (26) occurs first, and issues regarding player registration and financial situations still hinder progress. Upamecano is also a player that Barcelona has targeted since before transferring from Leipzig. With no contract extension in place, interest from other big clubs continues.
From Bayern's perspective, Upamecano's departure could be fatal. He is regarded as the 'most trusted resource' among Bayern's defenders. Bayern's management is reported to have conveyed a policy of 'permitting to transfer' to Kim Min-jae last May. At that time, it was based on the premise that Eric Dier would remain.
However, the current situation has changed somewhat. Although they acquired Jonathan Tah, the situation is less aligned with team tactics than expected. Kessler noted, 'Coach Kompany aims to have Upamecano as a main player for the next season, but Kim Min-jae is also receiving high praise,' indicating that the club has not completely closed its stance.
Kim Min-jae has recently recovered from an Achilles injury. As a result, demands for a 'three-person rotation' have resurfaced among fans. This could reduce the vicious cycle of overexertion and injury and serve as a strategy to supplement the inconsistent performances of others.
Barcelona is targeting players that match their philosophy in light of this situation. Particularly under coach Flick's regime, Kim Min-jae is evaluated as a key puzzle piece that can immediately adapt to the core football that Barcelona pursues, including high lines, forward pressing, and build-up. Director General Deku emphasized, 'Instead of unnecessary major signings, we will only target players that fit the team's philosophy and tactics.'
Kim Min-jae is already recognized as an 'elite center-back' possessing top-level physicality, coverage, tactical understanding, and mentality in Europe. If Barcelona signs Kim Min-jae, he is expected to prove his worth as a 'proven winner' once again on a new stage. Ultimately, attention is focused on whether Kim Min-jae can rise as Barcelona's 'proven winner.'
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