Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is at the center of ongoing transfer rumors linking him to the English Premier League (EPL). Reports have emerged that several top clubs, including Chelsea and Newcastle United, as well as Italian Serie A's Juventus, are actively pursuing Kim Min-jae.
British media outlet '90min' reported on the 19th (Korean time) that "Chelsea, Newcastle, and Juventus are showing interest in center-back Kim Min-jae, who is affiliated with Bayern."
Juventus is aiming for a top-four finish in Serie A, while Chelsea and Newcastle are strengthening their squads for next season's UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification.
'90min' noted, "Chelsea and Newcastle have contacted Kim Min-jae's agent. Both clubs showed a positive response regarding the possibility of his move to the EPL," indicating that a transfer is realistic.
The transfer rumors are gaining momentum in Germany as well.
German media outlet 'Sky Sports' recently assessed that "Kim Min-jae is no longer an asset that must be retained at Bayern," immediately followed by a report from French media 'Foot Mercato' journalist Santi Aouna stating, "Chelsea and Newcastle have contacted Kim Min-jae's side. Kim Min-jae is also open to a summer transfer and is likely to consider offers from other clubs."
British media outlet '90min' also reported similar news as Aouna.
Last season, there was also interest from Inter Milan and Manchester United, but he chose to stay with the team. Once again, transfer rumors have surfaced as the season comes to a close.
Kim Min-jae joined Bayern in June 2023 after leaving Napoli for a buyout amount of €50 million (approximately 81.2 billion won). At that time, coach Thomas Tuchel highly praised his man-marking ability and speed. In the early part of the season, he played as a key center-back amid injuries to starting defenders. However, as the season progressed, his fitness declined and mistakes increased, making him a target for criticism.
The most decisive moment was in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid last season. Kim Min-jae provided the opening for an opponent's goal due to consecutive blunders. Coach Tuchel publicly criticized him, stating, "Kim Min-jae was too greedy." Subsequently, Kim Min-jae was excluded from the roster for the second leg.
As the struggles continued, there were speculations about a return to Italy at the end of last season. However, Kim Min-jae decided to stay.
Kim Min-jae has made a comeback. Just before this season, after the appointment of coach Vincent Kompany, he has been granted consistent playing opportunities. Coach Kompany utilizes Kim Min-jae's wide coverage ability, positioning him as a starter. With Matthijs de Ligt's transfer to Manchester United and Eric Dier being benched, Kim Min-jae has established himself as the 'key' member of Bayern's defense. He has even been evaluated as one of the world's best center-backs by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES).
However, the issue was 'injury pain.' He has been struggling with an Achilles tendon injury since October. Additionally, long-distance flights due to national team call-ups have exacerbated his fatigue. Ultimately, he was unable to join the national team in the upcoming March A-match. After the A-match break, Kim Min-jae returned to play for Bayern but has been making frequent mistakes due to a lack of concentration, inviting criticism. In the 'Der Klassiker' against Dortmund, he allowed a goal after missing Maximilian Wöber. Coach Kompany eventually substituted him in the early part of the second half. After the match, 'Sky Sports' raised questions about his position with the headline, "Kim Min-jae's collapse, will Kompany also make a decisive move like Tuchel?" Some speculate that Kim Min-jae's poor performance is a result of being overworked. German media outlet 'TZ' reported, "Kim Min-jae is playing while suffering from Achilles tendon pain, a cold, and back pain. He continues without rest," explaining the circumstances he is under. Furthermore, with fellow defenders like Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Ito out injured, Kim Min-jae has no choice but to keep playing.
Ultimately, the transfer rumors surrounding Kim Min-jae are interpreted as the result of a combination of both declining performance and overwork in the team situation, with several teams of 'notable name value' appearing to desire him.
Florian Plettenberg, a journalist known for his Bayern sources, also mentioned on his social media account that "Kim Min-jae is aware of the possibility of a summer transfer. Juventus is also closely monitoring his situation."
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