Interest in Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is once again rising. The renowned Turkish club Galatasaray is pursuing his loan acquisition.

The German media outlet 'TZ' reported on the 13th (Korean time) that 'Galatasaray has officially proposed to loan Kim Min-jae. It is not yet known whether there will be an option for a permanent transfer.'

Bayern is not ruling out the possibility of selling Kim Min-jae. However, they stated that they would not accept unreasonable conditions. Internally, evaluations of Kim Min-jae have recently turned positive. Negotiations will only be possible if reasonable proposals are made.

Kim Min-jae's current market value is estimated at about 35 million euros (approximately 56.4 billion won). This is 15 million euros lower than the 50 million euros (approximately 80.5 billion won) Bayern paid to acquire him from Napoli in 2023.

The likelihood of Bayern sending Kim Min-jae on loan is low. 'TZ' noted that 'the option of a loan to Galatasaray is unrealistic.' Director General Vincent Kompany and Max Eberl highly value his dedication and defensive skills. The internal atmosphere leans towards a permanent transfer rather than a loan.

The unstable situation of Bayern's defense also increases the possibility of Kim Min-jae staying. The newly joined Jonathan Tah is still adapting. Eric Dier has transferred to AS Monaco. Hiroki Ito is out with a long-term injury, and Josip Stanišić is in a state where a normal season operation is difficult due to frequent injuries.

'TZ' emphasized, 'Kim Min-jae is the most ideal defensive asset under Coach Kompany. If he is let go, a player of the same caliber must be acquired immediately, which is practically difficult.'

Kim Min-jae left Beijing Guoan in China in 2021 and made his way to Europe through Fenerbahçe. He then established himself as a top defender in Serie A at Napoli, and in 2023 he joined Bayern, rising as a central figure for the big club.

He has appeared in a total of 79 matches since his transfer to Bayern. He showed stable performance early in last season, but he was unable to participate in most matches due to an Achilles tendon injury in the second half. He also missed the club World Cup and the final schedule of the Bundesliga. He participated in the summer tour in the United States, but did not see any game action.

Teams monitoring Kim Min-jae are not limited to Galatasaray. 'Bavarian Football' reported on the 11th that 'Spain's Barcelona has added both Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano to their list of interests.' While Barcelona is looking to strengthen their defense, active movements are difficult due to club finances and player registration issues. For the transfer to be realized, the departure of Ronald Araújo is a prerequisite.

[Photo] Kim Min-jae ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

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