Bayern Munich has categorized Kim Min-jae (28) as a player for sale, prompting FC Barcelona to take an active interest.
Philip Kessler of the British 'Daily Mail' reported, "Barcelona is considering the acquisitions of Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano, especially valuing Kim Min-jae's style highly." Barcelona sees Kim Min-jae as a key piece to enhance tactical perfection under coach Hansi Flick, going beyond mere squad reinforcement.
Kim Min-jae had high expectations when he transferred from Napoli to Munich in the summer of 2023. His front build-up play and physicality shown at Napoli seemed to promise success in the Bundesliga. However, under coach Thomas Tuchel, he faced tactical mismatches, errors, and even public criticism, shaking his standing.
After the appointment of coach Vincent Kompany, he regained his position as a key part of the defense, dedicating himself to the team despite injuries and exhaustion. As a result, Munich lifted the Bundesliga trophy, yet the club categorized Kim Min-jae as a player for sale, particularly with the acquisition of Jonathan Tah. In fact, Bayern has actively pursued the sale of Kim Min-jae.
In urgent need of restructuring the defense, Barcelona views Kim Min-jae, who possesses both tactical completeness and experience, as the optimal card. Director General Deco noted, "Kim Min-jae's build-up, tackling, and pressing abilities perfectly align with coach Flick's tactics." Barcelona under Flick is identifying swift defenders like Kim Min-jae as a core puzzle for high lines, pressing, and back build-up.
Kim Min-jae led Napoli to its first Serie A title in 33 years and was selected for the league's best XI and as the defender of the year. Even after his transfer to Munich, he contributed to the Bundesliga victory, maintaining his status as a starter despite exhaustion and injury setbacks. Based on his track record, the title of 'trophy consultant' seems well-deserved.
Barcelona is expected to intensify its pursuit of Kim Min-jae only if Ronald Araújo's transfer precedes it. Player registration issues and financial conditions remain potential variables. However, Kim Min-jae is being evaluated as a 'complete defender' who can immediately adapt to the tactical style that coach Flick pursues.
Already, Barcelona's Director General Deco emphasized, "Instead of unnecessary expensive transfers, we will target only players that fit the team's philosophy and tactics." Kim Min-jae is acknowledged as an 'elite center-back' with top-tier physicality, coverage, tactical awareness, and mental strength. Both Napoli and Bayern pursue a style of play that dramatically pushes the lines forward, similar to Barcelona's approach.
This is why Barcelona is considering Kim Min-jae as a player to entrust the defense to while employing an aggressive style of football next season. If Barcelona successfully acquires Kim Min-jae, he would become the first Asian defender to write a new history by conquering all three of Europe's top leagues: Serie A (Napoli), Bundesliga (Munich), and La Liga (Barcelona).
If Barcelona brings Kim Min-jae on board, it will be noteworthy whether he can once again prove his worth as a 'trophy consultant' under coach Flick's tactics. Attention is focused on whether Kim Min-jae will take on a new challenge at Barcelona.
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