Is 'The Wall' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) going to conquer Spain?
German outlet TZ reported on the 12th that "the possibility of Bayern Munich's Korean player Kim Min-jae transferring to Barcelona has surged. There is a high likelihood that Kim Min-jae will leave Munich this summer. Currently, PSG, Saudi Arabia, and AC Milan are competing for Kim Min-jae."
Kim Min-jae made his European debut by joining Fenerbahçe in 2021. Armed with a physique and sense that transcend Tongyang, Kim Min-jae immediately dominated the Turkish stage.
Kim Min-jae joined Napoli in 2022 and immediately led the team to its first Serie A championship in 33 years. Kim Min-jae received the Serie A Best Defender award for the 22-23 season and was selected for the Team of the Year.
After dominating Italy, Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich in 2023 to challenge for the Bundesliga. In his first season, he did not gain the trust of coach Thomas Tuchel and was pushed to the bench. In the 24-25 season, with full support from coach Vincent Kompany, Kim Min-jae solidified his position as a starter and contributed to Munich's Bundesliga championship.
The situation has changed rapidly. Bayern Munich has signed Jonathan Tah (29, Munich), a key player in Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten championship during the off-season. Tah secured the starting center-back position at Munich immediately upon joining. He made his debut in the Club World Cup and played all five matches as a starter.
The atmosphere is already shifting toward Tah replacing Kim Min-jae. Returning from an Achilles injury, Kim Min-jae has returned to team training but did not play a second in the Club World Cup.
Ultimately, Kim Min-jae is in a strong position to transfer. Following existing interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and AC Milan, Barcelona has also joined the competition for Kim Min-jae.
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