The team’s biggest rival calls for Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich). With his status at Bayern Munich precarious, Galatasaray SK has made an official offer to change the symbol of the Istanbul Derby.
Rumors of a return to Turkey are becoming more of a reality. Multiple media outlets in Germany and Turkey reported on the 13th (Korea time) that Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae is receiving strong interest from Galatasaray, and that a loan offer has been conveyed.
The Turkish media 'Akşam' noted, "Kim Min-jae is opening a new chapter. Having made a name for himself at Fenerbahçe, he is now heading to his biggest rival, Galatasaray," while suggesting specific transfer scenarios. They reported, "Galatasaray, which secured a spot in the Champions League, is pushing for the loan of Kim Min-jae to strengthen their defense. They proposed a one-year loan to Bayern, but it is unknown whether a purchase option is included."
The German media 'TZ' also confirmed on the same day, "Galatasaray has sent an official offer to acquire Kim Min-jae." While Bayern is keeping the possibility of selling Kim Min-jae outright open, they seem to be taking a cautious stance regarding a simple loan. Currently, the transfer fee set for Kim Min-jae is around 35 million euros (approximately 56.4 billion won), which is 15 million euros lower than the 50 million euros paid to acquire him from Napoli in 2023.
Kim Min-jae's former team Fenerbahçe is also exploring the possibility of his return, but Galatasaray appears to be ahead in this transfer race. According to local reports, Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané, who have past connections with Kim Min-jae, are either already playing for Galatasaray or in negotiations, making it not entirely unfamiliar given Kim Min-jae's adaptation environment.
The issue lies with Bayern's judgment. Throughout the season, the Bayern hierarchy has not eliminated doubts about Kim Min-jae. He started making frequent mistakes after mid-season while struggling with Achilles pain, and errors in the Champions League became critical. In fact, Bayern's Director General Max Eberl has publicly mentioned, "He did not meet the expectations we had at the time of acquisition."
The situation has recently shown some signs of reversal. TZ reported, "Recently, head coach Vincent Kompany and Director General Eberl are in an atmosphere where they acknowledge Kim Min-jae's fighting spirit and diligence. He volunteered to participate despite numerous injuries, and the club is showing signs of wanting to trust him again." They added, "In reality, a loan to Istanbul is not very likely to materialize."
The team situation is also not easy. Eric Dier has transferred to Monaco, and Hiroki Ito is unlikely to play until the end of the year. Jonathan Tah has joined, but it is still far from establishing a complete defensive line. TZ pointed out, "Kim Min-jae is the most suitable resource under Kompany's regime. If he is let go, a replacement of equal caliber must be secured. However, realistically, it is very difficult."
Kim Min-jae is also exploring other options in England and Spain. According to local sources, FC Barcelona is also showing interest in him. However, it is difficult to enter into formal negotiations unless the transfer of Ronald Araújo precedes it.
It would not be insignificant symbolically if Kim Min-jae, who has been active on the European stage, were to don the jersey of his former club's biggest rival in Turkey again. Galatasaray's offer is not just a simple loan. It is an invitation to join the Champions League stage and offers Kim Min-jae a chance for "redemption" after a disappointing season on a top European stage.
Attention is focused on whether Kim Min-jae will accept this offer, whether Bayern will decide to let him go, and whether another narrative will be added to the Istanbul Derby.
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