AC Milan's interest coincides with Son Heung-min transfer talks; Inter Milan targets Bastoni replacement

[OSEN=Woo Choong-won Reporter] Interest from Italy's prestigious clubs in Kim Min-jae (28, Bayern Munich) has reignited.

Bavarian Football, citing Sport Bild on the 24th (Korean time), reported that Kim could become one of the notable defenders in the upcoming summer transfer market. According to the report, both AC Milan and Inter Milan strongly hope for his return.

A source confirmed that Kim's future has not yet been finalized. The source added that while he is classified as a rotational player at Bayern Munich and faces fierce competition for a starting spot, Kim remains dedicated to the team and continues to strive to reclaim his position.

Kim is one of South Korea's fastest-rising stars in European football. He joined Fenerbahçe ahead of the 2021-22 season, earning recognition for his stable defensive skills and build-up ability from his debut season. He then moved to Serie A's Napoli in the summer of 2022, leading the club to its first league title in 33 years and winning the Best Defender award.

However, his upward trajectory paused after his transfer to Bayern Munich.

Kim, who left Napoli for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, initially played regularly as a starter but saw his performance temporarily decline due to an overloaded schedule and accumulated fatigue.

Under new manager Vincent Kompany, rotational policies intensified, heightening competition among center-backs, and Kim gradually lost playing time.

Although transfer rumors surfaced last summer, he chose to stay. Starting the season as a third-option defender, he steadily improved his condition and increased his playing time. Amid this situation, Italy's elite clubs have renewed their interest in Kim.

AC Milan's movements are particularly noteworthy. With South Korea national team captain Son Heung-min (LAFC) also recently linked to a move to AC Milan, attention is focused on whether the two players could don the same prestigious Italian club's jersey.

AC Milan, preparing to reorganize its defense, views Kim -- a proven force in European football -- as an optimal reinforcement. Inter Milan, meanwhile, has included Kim on its internal transfer list as a potential replacement for aging key defender Alessandro Bastoni, according to sources.

Kim remains classified as a key player for Bayern Munich.

According to European football statistics site WhoScored.com, Kim recorded an average of 3.8 aerial duel wins and a 91% pass success rate per Bundesliga match this season, demonstrating stable defensive performance. / 10bird@osen.co.kr

AC Milan, Inter Milan Eye Kim Min-jae Return