Title: South Korean Defender Jin Min-jae Joins Bayern Munich as “Asia’s Most Expensive” Player
In a surprising turn of events, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have officially announced the signing of South Korean international Kim Min-jae from Naples. The club triggered the termination clause in his contract, securing his services until June 2028. This move comes at the cost of 50 million euros, making Jin Min-jae the most expensive Asian player in history.
Kim Min-jae’s journey to Bayern Munich has been nothing short of remarkable. Within just four and a half years, the 27-year-old defender has made significant strides in his career. From leaving Jeonbuk Hyundai to joining Beijing Guoan and now landing in the top five league giants, Jin Min-jae’s rise has been meteoric.
Several major clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain, expressed interest in signing the talented defender. However, it was Bayern Munich’s sincerity and determination that won them the deal. The transfer fee of 50 million euros is deemed reasonable given Jin Min-jae’s exceptional abilities.
Born in November 1996, Kim Min-jae showcased his potential early on, earning a main role in the Jeonbuk Hyundai team at just 21 years old. After securing two league championship trophies, he made his move to Beijing Guoan in January 2019. Although he didn’t win any honors with the Chinese club, his defensive prowess caught the attention of European clubs.
In the summer of 2021, Kim Min-jae joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but his impressive performance quickly earned him a transfer to Serie A side Napoli. Last season, he played a vital role in Naples’ league championship, featuring in 45 games and contributing with two goals and two assists.
With a market value of 60 million euros, Kim Min-jae has surpassed his national team teammate Sun Xingmin, earning the title of “Asia’s Most Expensive” player. This significant increase in value is a testament to his exceptional performances in recent years. Compared to other influential Asian players like Japanese star Kaoru Sansaka, Jin Min-jae’s worth supersedes his contemporaries by a considerable margin.
Following Lucas Hernandez’s departure to Paris, Kim Min-jae is expected to fill the gap as Bayern Munich’s main central defender in the upcoming season. It remains uncertain whether he will partner with Frenchman Dayot Upamecano or Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The acquisition of Kim Min-jae is seen as a significant step for Bayern Munich, as they aim to maintain their dominance in German football and compete fiercely in European competitions. Fans eagerly await the defender’s debut in the No. 3 jersey for the club.
Editor: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sohu as a platform for information dissemination.