Bayern Munich is accelerating efforts to finalize its defensive line amid a series of transfers and injury variables. The key figures are Ito Hiroki and Kim Min-jae.
Bild reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that "Ito has resumed running training. After suffering three metatarsal fractures, his return will proceed without time pressure. Bayern Munich's medical team is closely monitoring how his foot responds as training intensity increases, and internally, the possibility of a return in October is being discussed."
Ito is a Japanese national team defender who joined Bayern Munich from Stuttgart last season. He is a left-footed center-back with high rarity and has the advantage of being able to play as a left full-back.
However, Ito suffered a metatarsal fracture before the season's opening and was sidelined for a long period, disappearing from official matches for as long as 199 days. After returning, he played in eight matches in the league and the UEFA Champions League (UCL), but less than a month later, he experienced another issue in the same area.
Ultimately, Ito has entered rehabilitation again and is in a situation where even the timing of his return is uncertain.
Despite this, Bayern Munich does not plan to send Ito away. Instead, Kim Min-jae is being discussed as a potential sale target. Kim Min-jae's performance has been affected by injuries towards the end of last season, leading local media to speculate about a potential sale.
After the season ended, Munich acquired Jonathan Tah and built a new starting defense, and Kim Min-jae is currently receiving offers from various clubs.
Even though Kim Min-jae contributed to the team significantly more than Ito, the reason he has become a sale candidate is clear. Firstly, there is a large difference in weekly wages. Kim Min-jae earns 230,000 euros (370 million won), while Ito's weekly wage is 72,000 euros (12 million won), making it over three times more.
Additionally, due to Ito’s history of frequent injuries, he is not considered an attractive card in the transfer market, while conversely, Kim Min-jae remains a player that several teams show interest in. Ultimately, Bayern Munich is prioritizing the sale of Kim Min-jae to reduce wages and maintain their strength, while focusing on giving Ito time to improve his condition.
Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich last summer and showed stable defense in the early part of the season, but suffered from a left Achilles tendon injury starting in October. Due to frequent injuries in the defense line, he played through pain with painkillers, but made many mistakes and faced criticism. It is reported that a reassessment of his long-term utility is being conducted internally at Bayern Munich.
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