A dramatic turnaround! "Kim Min-jae will not be sold" — removed from Munich's transfer list... internal evaluation reversed by his late-season performance

*This content was translated by AI.

It is a dramatic turnaround. South Korea's "monster defender" Kim Min-jae (30) has been effectively removed from Bayern Munich's (Germany) transfer list.

On the 13th (Korean time), German Sky Sports reported, "Defender Kim Min-jae is no longer a target for sale by Munich."

According to reports, internal evaluations of Kim Min-jae at Munich have completely changed. Previously, local German media had predicted that Munich might sell some players, including Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Ito, to secure funds needed for new signings. Indeed, Kim Min-jae was strongly linked with Manchester United (England) and Juventus (Italy).

However, Sky Sports emphasized, "As Munich has changed its internal plans, Kim Min-jae is no longer classified as a transfer candidate." The outlet added, "Unless Munich receives an 'ultra-large offer' this summer, it plans to start the new season with Kim Min-jae."

The reason Munich changed its mind lies in Kim Min-jae's performance during the final stretch of the 2025–2026 season.

Kim Min-jae dominated the Italian Serie A stage during the 2022–2023 season, playing a key role in his former club Napoli's league title win. Based on this performance, he donned the Munich jersey in 2023.

However, last season, amid fierce competition for starting positions, he took on the role of a "third option." Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany utilized Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah as the starting center-back pairing.

Even in this difficult situation, Kim Min-jae quietly supported the two starters and contributed to Munich's victories in both the league and the German Football Association (DFB) Cup. His dedication to the team without expressing dissatisfaction over the competition for starting spots appears to have earned high praise within the club.

Sky Sports explained, "Kim Min-jae appeared in 37 matches last season, recording one goal and one assist." The outlet added, "Especially with his strong performances toward the end of the season, he once again proved why the club should continue to move forward with him."

It further noted, "Kim Min-jae is also highly regarded within the squad." As a result, the transfer rumors surrounding Kim Min-jae are expected to subside for the time being.

However, the increased likelihood of his staying does not mean the competition for starting positions has ended. Sky Sports clearly stated that Munich's starting center-back pairing remains Upamecano and Jonathan Tah.

Kim Min-jae must continue to support these two players as a rotation member in the new season while also competing to reclaim a starting spot.

The time available is not generous. Kim Min-jae's contract with Munich runs until 2028. If he fails to overturn the current competitive structure in the new season, there is a possibility he could once again become the center of transfer rumors next summer.

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*This content was translated by AI.