Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Napoli’s Kim Min-jae, with the newly crowned Serie A champions likely to lose one of their prized assets this summer.
The South Korea international has long been one of the Red Devils’ main targets as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his central defensive options this summer.
Reports have suggested United could trigger the £40 million release clause in Kim’s contract to bring the 26-year-old to Old Trafford.
A move to the Premier League giants would continue Kim’s upward trajectory of recent years, with the defender impressing since moving to Europe.
Mail sports looks at what Kim could offer if he moved to the club this summer.
Manchester United are reportedly looking for a deal for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae
Kim was one of Napoli’s star players as the club claimed their first Serie A title since 1990
Who is he?
Kim has had an impressive rise since she made the decision to pursue a career as a professional soccer player.
The ambition led him to drop out of Yonsei University in his sophomore year, where he had studied sports, leisure and physical education.
Kim said the guard last year he made the decision to help support his parents financially, with the former track athletes working to fund their small sushi restaurant in their home city of Tongyeon.
The centre-back joined South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2016 and helped the side secure consecutive K-League titles in 2017 and 2018.
An injury prevented Kim from appearing for South Korea at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but later that year he was part of the country’s Asian Games winning team in Jakarta and Palembang.
The gold medal at the tournament exempted Kim and his teammates from their two-year military service, with just a few weeks of basic training.
Kim then spent two and a half seasons in the Chinese Super League with Beijing Guoan, sparking interest from European clubs.
The 26-year-old made the switch to Turkish side Fenerbahce in August 2021, with the South Korean still a relative newcomer at European football. Kim’s performances in his only season in Turkey led to Napoli shelling out £16 million for his signature.
The 26-year-old central defender came to Napoli last summer after one season with Fenerbahce
Kim’s rise at Napoli
The centre-back was announced as the long-term replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who left Napoli last summer to join Chelsea for £33m. He quickly endeared himself to his teammates with a rendition of PSY’s Gangnam Style at his initiation.
Kim has been a central part of Napoli’s success this season as the club secured their first Serie A title since 1990.
He has started 34 of Napoli’s 36 Serie A games during the title-winning campaign, with Luciano Spalletti’s side conceding just 26 goals in the competition.
Despite being billed as an aggressive defender, Kim has only picked up four yellow cards during the Serie A season.
Crucially, however, he was suspended for Napoli’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against AC Milan after receiving a hard yellow card in the first leg.
Napoli were an instant success and were reportedly considering offering Kim a new contract in January to fend off interest from rival clubs.
The suggestion came despite Kim signing a three-year deal last summer, with an option for the club to extend the deal for a further two years.
Napoli could instead be on the cusp of a big win after a single campaign, with Man United reportedly triggering its £40m release clause.
Kim enjoyed instant success at Napoli, sparking interest from the Premier League
What are his strengths?
Kim earned the nickname ‘The Monster’ during his early years as a pro, as he was physically imposing at 6ft 4in.
The South Korean is reportedly inspired by both Sergio Ramos and Fabio Cannavaro.
And Kim has become known for his aggressive approach, marking tight forward.
Kim has also been praised for his composure in possession throughout his career, which would clearly see him fit into Man United boss Erik ten Hag’s squad.
He has developed a reputation for riding onto the field in possession of the ball, with his stature making him difficult to knock off the ball.
Both of Kim’s goals for Napoli this season came from set pieces, with the defender heading in corners against Monza and Lazio.
While he may have a similar frame to current Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, the South Korean’s pace has also been noticed, which should see him poised for a move to the Premier League.
It also seems unlikely that Kim would be put off by a move as the defender sports a tattoo on his chest that reads ‘Carpe Diem’ (Seize the moment).
Kim has been nicknamed ‘The Monster’ because of the defender’s imposing physique
The defender’s ability on the ball has been praised as Kim regularly drives away from behind
What have people said about him?
Napoli boss Spalletti has unsurprisingly been one of Kim’s biggest fans, with the Italian labeling him the ‘best central defender in the world’ earlier this season.
Spalletti highlighted both his aggression and skill as he laid out why Kim has become such a crucial player at his side. “I have seen very few players in my life and career with the skills and qualities of Kim Min-jae” Spalletti said in March.
“He’s incredible, always aggressive – he deserves to start every game. Kim does at least 20 incredible things per game, to me he really is the best central defender in the world.
“If he starts running with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opponent’s penalty area in five seconds.”
Kim can also count former Man United boss Jose Mourinho among his admirers, with the Roma manager describing him as a ‘top player’ ahead of a game against Napoli in January.
Mourinho took the opportunity to reveal that he had wanted to sign Kim for Tottenham as the South Korean was heavily linked with a move to North London during his time at the club.
“I can tell you a story about one of their players. I spoke to him on FaceTime and wanted to buy him from Tottenham, but Tottenham didn’t help me,” said Mourinho.
“I had some FaceTime conversations with him – our offer was €5m (£4.3m), Fenerbahce wanted €10m (£8.6m) for Kim and for Tottenham that was not possible at the time. Now look at Kim and his level, he is a top player’.
Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti called Kim the ‘best central defender in the world’ earlier this year
Are there complications?
Kim’s £40m release clause is reportedly set to come into effect from July 1 to 15, which could allow Man United to secure a deal at a reduced price.
A problem completing a move may be Kim’s whereabouts, as the defender’s military draft is set in June and July.
Reports have suggested that Kim will complete three weeks of basic military trainingwhich can complicate any transfer outside Napoli.
Kim had previously complained of “mental fatigue” in March after hastily apologizing after stating he wanted to focus on his club and not the South Korea national team.
“I apologize to them and the players who were surprised by my words,” Kim continued social mediaafter the 49-cap international received backlash for his comments.
“I had a minor injury and recovered. I’ve played a lot of games and I never spared myself.
“I broke down mentally and had an outburst.
“I apologize again and ask the fans to always support us.”