Kim Min-jae, the phenomenon from Napoli, is now the target of Manchester United’s attention.
What has changed regarding Kim Min-jae’s move to Man United?
Journalist Journalist Rudy Galetti in Italy claims that the Red Devils and the 26-year-old appear to be close to coming to a personal terms agreement.
The transfer insider posted on Twitter, saying: “Man Utd made significant progress for Kim (Napoli). The [Korean] player and the negotiations are close to coming to a lasting agreement at this point in the talks.
In order to prepare for the increasingly severe competition, MUFC is considering paying the release clause.
A €60 million (£53 million) bid made outside of that time frame might also be accepted by the Serie A champions. According to 90min, that release clause is estimated to be in the neighbourhood of €45 million (£39 million) and is scheduled to become effective in the first two weeks of the summer transfer market.
Would Kim Min-jae be a wise addition to Man United’s roster?
Club captain Harry Maguire appears to be leaving, and Raphael Varane has occasionally struggled with injuries over the past two years, so it makes sense that manager Erik Ten Hag is thinking about bringing in a star center-back this summer.
Kim, who helped Napoli win the Scudetto in 2022–2023, may very well be the player the Dutchman is getting who “truly is the best centre back in the world,” according to manager Luciano Spalletti.
In 35 league games for Spalletti’s team, the former Fenerbahce player made a name for himself by keeping 14 clean sheets. He also shown his defensive prowess by making an average of 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game during that span.
The “dominant” asset, as described by author Neal Gardner, is a really scary asset in the air, ranking in the top 14% of players in his position in the top five leagues in Europe for aerial duels won. The 47-cap ace’s towering, 6 foot 3 frame also helps.
Ten Hag’s existing spine would undoubtedly benefit from the inclusion of the £54k per week rock, as the former Ajax manager has already reaped the benefits of bringing in the threatening presence of Casemiro last summer.
The £70 million player, like Kim, is a true expert at regaining possession for his team. He finished joint-fourth in the Premier League for tackles made (89), and he ranked in the top 3% of his European counterparts for aerial duels won.
The Brazilian’s skill in possession, which has been an added plus for United, is another factor. The 31-year-old has produced seven major opportunities this season in the top tier and averages one crucial pass per game.
Kim has this aptitude with the ball as well; the former Beijing Guoan player ranks in the top 12% for both progressive passes and progressive carries, demonstrating his skill in playing out from the back.
Due to the Napoli titan’s and Casemiro’s destructive and ball-playing prowess, it would be a tantalising proposition to see them both lining up in tandem at the Theatre of Dreams next season.