Manchester United has been ‘in contact’ with Napoli defender Kim Min-jae’s agent over a potential move to Old Trafford this summer.
This is coming after Kim Min-jae was made a top target in defence for the Red Devils. With Harry Maguire seemingly edging toward the exit door, the need for a new centre-half remains. Kim Min-jae’s name seems to be the one that’s cropping up most often.
26-year-old Kim who won Serie A Defender of the Year after winning the Italian top-flight league title with Napoli for the first time in 33 years, is already a hot property.
Newcastle are also interested in the 26-year-old, who joined Napoli from Fenerbahce last July and was an important part of their Serie A title success. Manchester United are understood to be monitoring the French market for fallback options if they do not land Kim, who played in South Korea and China before moving to Turkey in 2021, and then Italy in 2022.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Kim has a unique release clause of €60m (£52m) in his contract at Napoli which can only be activated between July 1 and July 15, meaning clubs can only acquire him for that price during a strict 2-week window.
Popular journalist, Fabrizio Romano tweeted;
“Manchester United have Kim Min-jae on their list since October and remains the main target. Release clause, only valid in July as United are in contact with agents; Newcastle are informed too.
“Understand Man Utd are also monitoring the French market for plan B options.”
Manchester United have Kim Min-jae on their list since October and remains the main target. Release clause, only valid in July as United are in contact with agents; Newcastle are informed too. 🔴 #MUFC
Understand Man Utd are also monitoring the French market for plan B options. pic.twitter.com/XNXy4yL54v
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
Should the Red Devils acquire Kim, Ten Hag will undoubtedly pour all of his focus into signing a striker, which is one of their priorities in the transfer window. This will be a busy transfer window for Erik ten Hag and he is ready to allow players including Harry Maguire, Dean Henderson, and Donny van de Beek to leave. United’s manager does not intend to keep Wout Weghorst, who has been on loan from Burnley. The striker has attracted interest from Everton and clubs in Spain and Germany and would cost about £8.5m.
