Kim Min-jae (27, Napoli) is ready to enter the German scene. He will now fly to the Alps to try on a Bayern Munich jersey.
Germany’s ‘TZ’ reported on July 7 (KST), “Kim Min-jae is moving to Bayern. It’s not official yet, but the German champions are taking an unusual step to gain an edge in the recruitment race,” the publication reported.
“The Bayern medical team traveled to South Korea on Wednesday to conduct a medical test on Kim Min-jae. The medical was completed on Friday, which means the transfer is nearing completion. He could sign a contract with Bayern in the near future.”
The timing and location of the move has also been outlined. “According to sources, Kim is expected to complete the transfer near the Tegernsee training camp. Bayern will begin training in Tegernsee on May 15,” TZ reported.
Tegernsee is a lake town in the Bavarian Alps, about 50 kilometers from Munich. If TZ is to be believed, Kim will spend another week or so in South Korea before flying to the Alps to begin preseason training. He will also meet his Munich teammates and coach Thomas Tuchel for the first time.
It’s unusual. Normally, Munich recruits land at Edmo Airport, southwest of the Bavarian capital, and are driven to Neuhausen in an Audi to undergo medical tests at a designated hospital before joining the team for training.
However, Kim Min-jae underwent medical tests in Seoul as soon as he was released from basic military training for three weeks on June 6, and will slowly travel to Munich. It’s a gesture of respect for him and a way to finalize the signing quickly, but also to prevent any possible hijackings.
TZ reported, “Munich sent the club’s medical staff to South Korea. This is to quickly activate Kim Min-jae’s €50 million ($71.4 billion) buyout clause, which is valid until July 15. This way, the transfer can be completed as soon as possible and Kim can enjoy a few more days of vacation after his military service.”
Kim will have his hands full after joining Munich. The Bavarians are traveling to Japan and Singapore later this month for a preseason Asian tour. According to TZ, Kim will arrive in Munich a few days before the Audi Summer Tour and then fly to Tokyo with the team on July 24.
TZ could not hide its excitement. The publication said, “Tuchel has got his dream central defender. Kim Min-jae was voted the best defender in Serie A last season. He replaces Luca Hernandez, who is moving to Paris Saint-Germain, in the center of the defense.” “Munich has struggled to build up at the back since David Alaba left for Real Madrid two years ago. Kim Min-jae, who has excellent passing skills, can help compensate for this. Dayo Upamecano should fear for his starting spot.”
German and Munich legend Lothar Matthaeus also praised Kim: “For me, it’s a great signing. He’s not the only great central defender in Serie A, but he’s one of the best. He is a strong, athletic and disciplined player who wants to keep learning and growing.”
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae is set to become the most expensive Asian soccer player in history. German media outlets such as Bild and Sport1 have claimed that his transfer fee is €50 million (approx. KRW 70.9 billion), while Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport has estimated it at €58 million (approx. KRW 82.2 billion).
While we still don’t know the exact amount, it is arguably the highest transfer fee in Asian history. Whatever the figure is, it’s far more than the €35 million that Japan’s Shoya Nakajima made when he joined Alduhail.
It’s also more than four times his salary. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany, Kim signed a five-year contract with Munich, earning between €10 million and €12 million per year. He was earning 2.5 million euros (about 3.6 billion won) a year at Napoli, but in one year, he will be earning four times more. 카지노사이트