"Not a monster during his Napoli days," yet despite the downplaying of Kim Min-jae's evaluation, he is 'booming in popularity' on the transfer market... AC Milan vs. Tottenham: A 'bloody battle' for his signature

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Min-jae (30, Bayern Munich) has emerged as a target for AC Milan. Clubs in the English Premier League (EPL), including Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, are also sending intense offers of interest.

Italy's "Corriere dello Sport" reported on the 30th of last month (Korean time) that "AC Milan, which failed to reinforce its defense during the summer transfer window, is reigniting its pursuit of a center back for January next year, and Kim Min-jae could emerge as a prime target."

The outlet stated, "Milan prefers players whose abilities have already been proven and who are experienced over those on their shortlist, such as Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP) or Thiago Gabriel (Lecce)." It added, "Kim Min-jae has been relegated to a backup defender at his current club, Bayern Munich, without fully earning the trust of manager Vincent Kompany. Although his contract runs until 2028, he is expected to discuss his future with the club soon."

According to the outlet, the projected transfer fee has dropped significantly. Kim Min-jae, who joined Bayern for 50 million euros (approximately 76.8 billion won) in 2023, is currently assessed as being available for a transfer of approximately 25 million euros (approximately 38.4 billion won).

The issue is his high salary. The 7 million euros (approximately 10.7 billion won) annual salary Kim Min-jae receives at Bayern is more than the highest-paid player on AC Milan's current roster. For Milan to finalize a signing, Kim Min-jae would have to agree to a pay cut himself.

Intense competition for his signature from English Premier League (EPL) clubs is also inevitable. Aston Villa, currently seeking a replacement for defender Ezri Konsa, and Tottenham, aiming to reinforce its squad to overcome early-season struggles, are keeping a close eye on Kim Min-jae.

Football specialist outlet "The Cult of Calcio," which cited the news, stated, "If Milan can resolve funding issues, it would be a safe signing, but considering several obstacles such as the player's firm desire to transfer and a salary reduction, it would be surprising if the transfer actually materializes." It added, "There are also question marks about whether Kim Min-jae still maintains the overwhelming form he displayed during his time at Napoli."

Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae is currently with the South Korea national football team, handling the September international match schedule. Following a 3-0 victory against Ecuador on the 24th, he started in the match against Uruguay held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 28th. However, South Korea lost 1-4 to Uruguay's sharp counterattacks, and Kim Min-jae suffered the misfortune of scoring an own goal while blocking an opposing attack in the 43rd minute of the first half.

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*This content was translated by AI.