Kim Min-jae’s move to Man United ‘is practically DONE’
Kim Min-jae’s move to Man United is ‘practically DONE’ with the Red Devils ‘already finding the £56million-valued Napoli defender a home to live in’… with the South Korean likely to leave after a fantastic Serie A season
- The highly regarded defender is strongly linked to the Premier League club
- Kim moved to Napoli at the start of the season to replace Kalidou Koulibaly
- United have also been poking around at team-mate star striker Victor Osimhen
Manchester United are closing in on securing the services of Napoli’s Kim Min-jae, with the club already reportedly eyeing a home for the defender to move into.
The South Korea international has long been one of the Red Devils’ main targets, as Erik ten Hag plots his proposed defensive revamp.
Up to four United defenders are expected to leave this summer, and the Dutch manager believes the centre-back will be an essential piece of the puzzle as United look to challenge at the top level next season.
From the sunKim’s move north is ‘practically done’, after Italian news outlet Il Mattino confirmed the 26-year-old was preparing to leave the club after helping them win their historic Seria A title in May.
Kim was instrumental in ending Napoli’s 33-year wait for a Scudetto, appearing in 33 of their games in the top flight and spurring them on with strong performances in their promising Champions League campaign.
Kim Min-jae’s move to United is ‘practically done’ and the club has found him a home
Erik ten Hag will fine-tune large parts of the United team during the transfer window
The defender only arrived in Naples at the start of the season having secured a three-year deal with an option for the club to extend the deal for a further two years.
Napoli donated £16 million (€18.5 million) for Kim to bring him from Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbache to Campania as they wanted to replace their long-time defensive general Kalidou Koulibaly.
Koulibaly had moved to Chelsea earlier in the summer transfer window after eight years at Napoli.
United are said to be considering giving Kim a £7.8 million one-year deal, although they have yet to make an official offer to his current club.
The Red Devils would also have to pay the defender’s release clause, which the Serie A side have set at £56 million.
This would see Napoli earn an estimated £37 million from their one-season wonder.
Ten Hag is looking to fine-tune his squad in a number of different positions over the upcoming transfer window, with a great striker also top of their wish list.
Kim’s teammate Victor Osimhen has also sparked interest from Old Trafford, with the Nigerian striker being considered alongside England captain and Tottenham star Harry Kane.
But Napoli are less willing to let their 28-goal goalkeeper go, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis stating there is ‘no way’ possible that Osimhen will be sold at the end of the season.
The South Korea international’s defensive performances helped seal Napoli’s historic Serie A title
Victor Osimhen (on Kim’s back) is another Scudetto winner being watched by the Manchester club
The Dutch manager’s planned moves in the window may still be affected by their termination at the end of this campaign.
United have yet to secure Champions League football with just two games to play, against Chelsea and Fulham.
However, the Manchester team should feel confident in securing another season in Europe’s top flight as they need just a lone point to qualify.
Their closest rivals Liverpool squandered an excellent chance to keep pace in the hunt for a top four finish by drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
