BREAKING: Kim Min-jae Set to Miss Club World Cup – Premier League and Saudi Clubs on Alert

Bayern Munich are increasingly resigned to the absence of South Korean defender Kim Min-jae for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, as the full extent of the centre-back’s Achilles tendon injury has come to light through an explosive new interview with his agent.

Speaking to Korean outlet Footballist, Kim’s representative Mauro Alves of Orangeball revealed that the player has been quietly battling Achilles tendinopathy in his left ankle since October 2023, enduring severe pain levels described as “7 to 8 out of 10” just to stay on the pitch for the German giants.

“The pain was worst in the mornings. During training or matches, the adrenaline would help him push through,” said Alves. “But in key moments earlier this year, his movement was so compromised he couldn’t sprint or jump properly.”

Despite the debilitating condition, Kim continued to play for both club and country until Bayern were eventually forced to sideline him at the end of April to prevent further deterioration. According to Alves, Kim is currently not in a physical condition to train, aligning with local media reports in Munich that suggest a minimum five-week full rest period is required — possibly more due to the chronic nature of the injury.

National Team Out, Club World Cup Doubtful

Given the timeline, Kim was omitted from South Korea’s squad for their crucial June World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and Kuwait. Even more pressing for Bayern is the Club World Cup, which begins June 15 in the United States — just two weeks after the projected minimum recovery window.

With Bayern’s first match set for June 16 against Auckland City, and only a small chance of Kim resuming light training by early June, his involvement in the early stages of the tournament is highly unlikely. A return midway through the competition would only be possible in an optimistic recovery scenario.

Bayern Scramble to Fill Centre-Back Void

The issue is compounded by Bayern’s dwindling defensive options. Eric Dier is set to leave for AS Monaco once his contract expires on June 30, while Hiroki Ito remains injured. That leaves Dayot Upamecano and utility man Josip Stanišić as the only fit centre-backs currently available.

To address this, Bayern are pushing ahead with a free transfer deal for Jonathan Tah from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. However, the defender’s contract with Leverkusen runs until June 30, and the club has refused to release him early without a transfer fee — reportedly demanding €2 million as compensation.

Bayern, according to TZ, consider the fee excessive and are unwilling to pay. Instead, they’re weighing an unusual strategy: registering Tah after July 1, when his contract officially begins, thus allowing him to feature from the quarter-finals onward. The plan would effectively split Club World Cup duties between outgoing and incoming players.

In that scenario, Dier could feature in the group stage and round of 16, with Tah joining for the knockout rounds. A bizarre baton-passing model, but one that reflects the chaos caused by FIFA’s mid-year tournament timing and traditional European contract calendars.

Crisis Built on Kim’s Silence

Much of this stems from Kim Min-jae’s unspoken sacrifice. Playing through pain for both Bayern and South Korea, the 27-year-old may now miss one of the biggest club competitions of his career. The Achilles issue, untreated and overworked for months, risks becoming a long-term concern unless given full rehabilitation.

For Bayern, whose sights are firmly set on the Club World Cup’s lucrative $125 million prize pot, the situation is delicate. Do they gamble on a half-fit Kim? Or plan without him entirely?

What’s clear is that Kim’s selfless season is catching up with him — and Bayern’s summer plans may be about to feel the full cost.

Transfer Likely as Bayern Restructure Defence

In the backdrop of Kim's injury and uncertain recovery, Bayern are actively reshaping their backline. Jonathan Tah's impending arrival and ongoing contract extension talks with Dayot Upamecano signal a shift in long-term planning — one that may not include Kim.

Sources close to the club suggest that Bayern could listen to offers this summer, particularly given Kim’s market value, wages, and injury record. The 27-year-old still has strong admirers across Europe and beyond, with multiple Premier League clubs competing in European competitions, as well as several Saudi Pro League sides, showing serious interest. These are clubs with the financial capacity to meet his salary demands and Bayern’s transfer fee expectations.

A move away would allow Kim the recovery window he needs, a fresh start, and — crucially — an escape from the physical toll that Bayern’s packed calendar may once again demand next season.