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Newcastle is expected to actively move Kim Min-jae.
Britain's Newcastle Toon reported on the 22nd (Korea time) 'Newcastle is seeking to recruit Bayern Munich's star for 50 million euros (about 80 billion won).
Newcastle Toon has contacted Bayern defender Kim Min-jae's agent ahead of the summer transfer window. Newcastle have stepped up their defence and can sign a proven European star. Kim Min-jae is one of the world's most high-profile defenders who played brilliantly for Napoli in the 2022-2023 season. Despite scoring three goals in 42 games for Bayern this season, Kim may be preparing to open a new chapter.'
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Kim Min-jae has recently attracted attention with rumors of a transfer. With the news that Bayern is considering Kim Min-jae as a candidate for sale, interest from several teams immediately emerged. Santi Auna, a leading reporter from France's Foot Mercato, reported on his personal SNS on the 18th that `Chelsea and Newcastle contacted Kim Min-jae and expressed interest.' Youna said 'Kim Min-jae is very willing to leave Bayern this summer. I'll be happy to hear the offer' he added.
Reporter Florian Flettenberg of Germany's Sky Sports Germany, who is familiar with Bayern news, also said, `Kim Min-jae is likely to leave the club in the summer. According to the news, the 28-year-old is getting market attention. Three clubs, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Juventus, are showing interest in the Korean national team, he said, acknowledging the interest of the three teams. Fabrizio Romano, an expert in the European soccer transfer market, also said, `Kim Min-jae could leave Munich this summer. Now his transfer is a feasible option.'"
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The game that sparked rumors of a transfer was against Dortmund. Min-jae started in the 29th round of the Bundesliga against Dortmund in the 2024-2025 season at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 13th. Bayern won a 2-2 draw, but the arrows of criticism poured on Kim Min-jae.
At that time, Kim Min-jae was perfect in the first half. It has blocked Seru Girasi, who has 15 goals in the league and 10 in the European Champions League. Kim Min-jae even covered the right side instead of Dyer, who was slow to judge. He defended the Bayern goal by blocking Dortmund's attacks that led Girasi.
The problem was the second half. In the third minute of the second half, Dortmund striker Maximilian Bayer scored a header. At that time, Kim Min-jae missed the buyer and provided an excuse for the loss. Fortunately, Munich, which allowed the first goal of the game, ended in a draw with a balance between Rafael Geheiro's equalizer in the 20th minute of the second half and Serge Gnabry's come-from-behind goal in the 24th minute of the second half, but criticism of Kim Min-jae's mistake flooded in.
Kim Min-jae also has something to say about the mistake. Kim Min-jae has been playing too many games with injuries due to the recent team situation. It's not in normal condition. Kim Min-jae is injured, but center back resources such as Dayot Upamecano and Ito Hiroki are out for the season, forcing him to play. German media reported on the 1st that Kim Min-jae is suffering from Achilles tendinitis, and recently has been suffering from severe cough and back pain along with cold symptoms. He also played in this condition against Jeankt Pauli. You have to rest in order to recover. Nevertheless, criticism against Kim Min-jae has continued, and the possibility of a transfer continues.
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In this situation, with the news that Newcastle can actively recruit, more attention has been paid to whether Kim Min-jae will head to EPL. Newcastle Toon said that Chelsea and Newcastle contacted Kim Min-jae's agent to explore the possibility of a summer transfer. Kim Min-jae is considering moving to a new league. Returning to Serie A has not been ruled out, but the top goal is to advance to the EPL. Newcastle see Kim Min-jae as a key player to reinforce their defense, which has suffered from injuries throughout the season. Kim Min-jae has both experience and physical strength, and coach Eddie Howe said the defense needs them.
Then 'Kim Min-jae's trip to Newcastle could be a major topic in the transfer market this summer, even more so if Bayern accepts the offer. He can provide calmness, aerial control and top-notch experience in both Serie A and Bundesliga. Proficient in rear play, perfect for Eddie Howe's system as he plays on a high defensive line. Bayern is expected to negotiate if it is willing to withdraw its initial investment of nearly 50 million euros. Newcastle will talk about Kim Min-jae's transfer, whether it's a loan or a full transfer.'"
Going to Newcastle can also be attractive to Kim Min-jae. Newcastle are likely to advance to the European Champions League (UCL) next season. It is currently fourth in the EPL and is expected to end the season in the top five, where it is secured to advance to the UCL. He also has an advantage in the main competition. Existing Newcastle defenders such as Fabien Shea, Jamal Russelles and Sven Boatman are inferior to Kim Min-jae.
One of the reasons why Newcastle can also be more active in recruiting Kim Min-jae is the visit to Korea, which is known to be scheduled this summer. No specific schedule or location has been confirmed yet, but leading local media have already reported Newcastle's plans to visit Korea and are expected to play a friendly match in Korea. As a confrontation with Tottenham is also expected, if Kim Min-jae heads to Newcastle, we can expect Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae to face each other just like last summer.
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Meanwhile, EPL, where the possibility of recruiting has been discussed, seems to welcome Kim Min-jae's transfer. Football FanCast in England 'Newcastle is also preparing to negotiate the recruitment of Kim Min-jae. Newcastle have already expressed interest in the agent and started contacting him, and it is reported that they are keeping the possibility of recruiting Kim Min-jae open. Kim Min-jae, who has leadership and quality at the center back position, explained, 'He is a player who can raise Newcastle's level of trying to win the championship by one or two levels under Eddie Howe.'
Britain's Chelsea News, which deals with Chelsea news, reportedly said, `Kim Min-jae can break Chelsea's rules, but he can be perfectly suited to the team.' Kim Min-jae is one of the most high-profile centre-backs in Europe after a superb performance for Napoli two years ago. Chelsea's leadership said, "We can break the rules for young players who aim to recruit elite players…" adding, "Chelsea could be good enough to change its recruitment stance."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
