South Korean defender Kim Min-jae’s injury woes have turned out to be far worse than initially feared, casting serious doubt on Bayern Munich’s management of the player—and raising fresh questions about his future.

According to an exclusive report South Korean outlet Footballist, Kim’s Achilles tendonitis, which began with a ligament inflammation in October last year, has now escalated to a point where a trusted orthopaedic specialist in South Korea has advised him to rest and rehabilitate until at least 15 July. This represents a significant extension of his absence, far exceeding the five-week break initially estimated by a local specialist interviewed by Bayern’s regional newspaper, tZ.

Footballist’s report reveals that Kim played through pain for over half a year, even as the injury spread to his other leg, highlighting the severity of his condition. Bayern Munich had originally ruled him out from the end of April, believing he would be back in time to join pre-season preparations, but this new medical assessment shows that the problem is more serious than Bayern’s own prognosis suggested.

Football-Asian.com can add that Kim’s extended absence effectively rules him out of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for 15 June to 14 July. This underlines the fact that Bayern will be unable to rely on the South Korean international during a crucial period.

Beyond the immediate fixture implications, this injury saga highlights a troubling pattern of Bayern’s player management this season. According to our own reporting, Bayern’s handling of Kim’s injury—whether through underestimation or misdiagnosis—has raised concerns among observers. South Korea national team boss Hong Myung-bo’s pointed remarks earlier this year now appear more justified: his criticism was not simply about missing a player for a national team camp, but about Bayern’s decision to risk Kim’s long-term fitness by playing him through significant pain.

While Bayern have so far remained silent on the latest developments, the club’s recent moves in the transfer market speak volumes. With Jonathan Tah already in their sights on similar wages to Kim’s reported €12 million per season, and Upamecano’s contract extension talks ongoing, Bayern are also exploring a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. These developments suggest that Kim Min-jae has likely played his last game for the Bavarian giants.

A move to the Premier League now appears the most realistic option. Sources indicate that Bayern’s initial asking price of €50 million has been lowered to €30 million to facilitate a transfer while allowing Kim to retain his current wage package. However, some Premier League clubs may still balk at his salary demands, meaning the player’s next destination remains uncertain.

For Kim Min-jae, who put his body on the line for Bayern even as the injury worsened, this is a bitter pill to swallow. His commitment and professionalism deserve more recognition than they have received in Germany. Instead, Bayern’s handling of the situation feels like a cold and calculated decision to move on from a player who gave everything for the team—exposing once again the often harsh realities of modern football.