Bayern Munich faces mounting pressure to sell star defender Kim Min-jae due to his persistent hamstring issues, as the club grapples with an injury crisis affecting multiple key players.
Club Officials Signal No Long-Term Plans
Bayern Munich officials announced on their website that the Bundesliga giants lack long-term plans for Kim Min-jae and must offload him to reshape the squad. They stressed that his recurring hamstring problems necessitate this move, describing it as a firm decision reached after careful deliberation.
Hiroki Ito’s Injury Echoes Concerns
Japanese defender Hiroki Ito mirrors Kim’s struggles, suffering another hamstring injury that Japanese media has dubbed ‘Yurimom,’ slang for a lame leg. Ito joined Bayern in 2024 for €23 million (approximately $25 million), but a fractured goal during a July friendly sidelined him for five months. He returned after two months out, only to reinjure himself after six appearances, missing national team duty until November. Now facing a three-month recovery, Ito highlights Bayern’s deepening defensive woes.
Broader Injury Crisis at Bayern
Bayern’s central defense remains vulnerable, with players like Alphonso Davies recently sidelined by major hamstring troubles. The club cannot sustain high salaries for sidelined stars like Kim Min-jae without regular contributions. Insiders reveal plans to sell such players in the next transfer window to fund replacements and ease financial burdens.
Transfer Interest Heats Up
Kim Min-jae attracts attention from Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Turkish Super Lig clubs Besiktas and Galatasaray. Reports suggest Bayern seeks up to €50 million (around $53 million) to finalize any deal, viewing it as essential to squad overhaul amid ongoing injury challenges.
