'This can't be true' Kim Min-jae on Fenerbahçe return rumors: "Do they expect a world-class player to play in Turkey?"... "Kim's side met with Fenerbahçe executives in Istanbul"

*This content was translated by AI.

Fenerbahçe is eyeing national team defender Kim Min-jae (30), whose playing time has diminished at Bayern Munich, as his 'former club'.

German outlet 'Bild' reported on the 18th (Korea time), citing Turkish journalist Serkan Hamzaoğlu, that "Fenerbahçe is considering an offer to bring Kim Min-jae back to the club".

According to the media, a meeting between Kim Min-jae's representatives and Fenerbahçe executives actually took place in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 16th.

Fenerbahçe is the team that enabled Kim Min-jae to enter European football. After joining from Beijing Guoan in 2021, he immediately became a key center-back. Leveraging his performances, he moved to Serie A powerhouse Napoli within a year and led the club to its first league title in 33 years in his debut season. In 2023, he transferred to German Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich for a fee of approximately 50 million euros (about 8.63 billion won).

However, the situation for Kim Min-jae in his third year at Bayern Munich is not easy. With Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano firmly established as the starting center-backs, his playing time has decreased compared to before.

Amid this situation, interest from top clubs in Kim Min-jae continues. Beyond Fenerbahçe, Serie A teams are lining up with offers. Italian outlet 'Gazzetta dello Sport' recently reported that "Serie A powerhouse Juventus is already in transfer negotiations with Kim Min-jae's side", hinting at a fierce competition for his signature.

The media explained that "Kim Min-jae, spending more time on the bench at Bayern Munich, is seeking a fresh start. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is also prepared to accept the player's wishes. In this context, Juventus has quickly entered the transfer race ahead of the summer transfer window".

Juventus' recent move stems from the possibility of losing defensive core Bremer. The media stated that "Bremer is receiving a 50 million euro (about 8.7 billion won) offer from EPL clubs" and that "Damien Comolli, Juventus CEO, has identified Kim Min-jae as the ideal candidate to fill the void and strengthen the team if Bremer departs".

The core background of this transfer rumor lies in the connection between Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, and Kim Min-jae. The two worked together at Napoli during the 2022–2023 season, winning the Serie A title.

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*This content was translated by AI.