Interest in Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is heating up again. Serie A's Galatasaray is pursuing his loan.
German media 'TZ' reported on the 13th (Korean time) that 'Galatasaray has officially proposed the loan of Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich. It has not been confirmed whether a permanent transfer option is included.'
Bayern is in a position to potentially transfer Kim Min-jae. It is said they may enter negotiations if a suitable proposal arrives.
Galatasaray is a rival team of Serie A's Napoli, where Kim Min-jae previously played.
Kim Min-jae's transfer fee is estimated at 35 million euros (approximately 56.4 billion won). This is 15 million euros (approximately 24.1 billion won) lower than the amount Bayern paid Napoli in 2023.
However, the reality is not straightforward. 'TZ' analyzed that 'the possibility of a loan to Galatasaray is not high.'
Bayern's leadership has not officially disclosed their position, but internally they have been highly evaluating Kim Min-jae. It is reported that manager Vincent Kompany and Director General Max Eberl have been impressed by Kim Min-jae's dedication, fighting spirit, and reliability.
Currently, Bayern is undergoing an unstable defensive lineup. Jonathan Tah joined on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, but Eric Dier has left for AS Monaco, and Hiroki Ito is expected to miss games until the end of the year. Josip Stanisic is also suffering from frequent injuries. 'TZ' pointed out that 'Kim Min-jae is the most suitable resource for manager Kompany. If he is let go, it is necessary to secure an equivalent defender immediately. This is realistically very difficult.'
Kim Min-jae successfully made his move to Europe when he transferred from Beijing Guoan in China to Fenerbahçe in Turkey in 2021. After leaving a strong impression in a short period, he moved to Napoli the following year and was recognized as one of the best defenders in Serie A, donning the Bayern uniform in 2023.
Since joining Bayern, he has appeared in 79 matches. He showed stable performances at the beginning of last season, but missed many games in the second half due to an Achilles injury. He also missed out on the Club World Cup and the Bundesliga's late season schedule. He traveled with the team on the U.S. tour this summer but had no actual appearances.
Currently, Bayern is in the process of restructuring its defense. There are analyses suggesting that they are planning a defensive line without Kim Min-jae.
'Bavarian Football' previously reported on the 11th that 'Kim Min-jae has also caught the attention of La Liga's Barcelona.'
The media reported that 'Barcelona is showing interest in Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano.'
However, within Barcelona, it is suggested that this acquisition may only proceed if Ronald Araújo's transfer is facilitated. Issues with player registration and financial situations still remain a hindrance.
Upamecano is also a resource that Barcelona had been targeting since before his transfer from Leipzig.
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