Napoli’s Kim Min-Jae has a £42m release clause. Kim Min-Jae of Napoli is being monitored by Newcastle United, while Manchester United is also interested in him.
The international player from South Korea moved to Napoli last summer from Fenerbahce and assisted his team in capturing the Scudetto in his first campaign. He has been one of their top performers this term, appearing in 45 different tournaments.
Kim’s three-year deal, which he signed last summer, contains a £42 million release clause, according to TalkSPORT (h/t @UtdPlug on Twitter). Newcastle is thought to be keeping an eye on him before considering a transfer.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are Manchester United’s go-to defensive duo. Due to a lack of playing time under Erik Ten Hag, Harry Maguire has slipped down the pecking order and, according to the Telegraph, is a target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Victor Lindelof also offers the crucial depth, but if Maguire left, the Red Devils may need to explore the market for a replacement center-back. It will be interesting to see if Ten Hag ends the Varane-Martinez collaboration.
Newcastle’s scenario, meanwhile, might also be challenging. The team’s captain Jamaal Lascelles is partnered in the back by the incredibly skilled Sven Botman. But considering Kim’s talent, manager Eddie Howe may change the sequence of things.
Additionally, the Toons will need strength and depth all over the pitch now that they are in the UEFA Champions League.
The Manchester United target has been dubbed the best center-back in the world by Spalletti:
Kim Min-Jae was at the center of Napoli’s defense as Luciano Spalletti guided his team to a remarkable Serie A victory this season.
The fewest number of goals surrendered in the competition was 28 in 38 games. After his team’s 2-0 league victory over Atalanta in March, Spalletti commented about the South Korean international, according to Football-Italia: “Kim does at least 20 amazing things per game; in my opinion, he is the world’s best center-back.” He can get the ball into the opposing penalty area when he starts the run with the ball at his feet in under five seconds.”
At both ends of the pitch, Kim is a force to be reckoned with on set pieces. He is very quick for a center-back who stands 6′ 3″ and is difficult to outmuscle on the ball.
No matter where the Manchester United target chooses to play his upcoming season, Spalletti won’t have him on the pitch. After leading Napoli to the Scudetto, the Italian requested a one-year break, which the team agreed to.
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