Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae has been linked with a big move away from Italy since winning the Serie A title.
There is uncertainty about Kim Min-jae’s next destination, however, and Manchester United could find themselves in a transfer tug-of-war with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
United are understood to be willing to meet the 26-year-old’s £43 million release clause next month, but Fabrizio Romano claims the South Korea international is on the brink of agreeing personal terms with the German giants.
🚨 Understand Bayern have presented their project to Kim Min-jae this week and the agreement on personal terms is now close. #FCBayern
Kim, tempted by Bayern as talks are now advancing fast.
Man United remain interested but it was never done.
Release clause available in July. pic.twitter.com/VTnoxIvlos
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2023
In a more recent update — via CaughtOffside — German reporter Christian Falk explains how Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Kim is reliant on Paris Saint-Germain.
“Napoli’s Kim Min-jae is now at the top of the list in Munich and the reason for that is Lucas Hernandez has recently informed his bosses at Bayern that he would like to go to Paris Saint-Germain.
“Bayern are expecting an offer of €50m euros from PSG for Hernandez and their bid for Kim Min-jae depends on this. That’s because the South Korean’s contract exit clause until 2025 is said to also be for the same amount.
“The pursuit of Kim Min-jae will put Bayern into battle with Manchester United and the Red Devils should be warned – the player is Bayern’s top defensive target this summer. Villarreal’s Pau Torres, whom Juventus are also interested in, is an alternative back-up option for Bayern if they’re unable to land the Napoli star.”
Kim joined Napoli from Turkish giants Fenerbahce last summer and he’s been on United radar – as far as the media is concerned – since January. That alone tells you he settled extremely quickly in Italy.
With Harry Maguire’s future in the air, it would be make sense to sign an upgrade like Kim Min-jae to challenge Raphael Varane for a place in the team. Lisandro Martinez — if fit — should be safe for the long-term future, while Victor Lindelof could still push for a place in the team.
It would be a shame to miss out on such a good player at a responsible price. Especially when clubs usually need to overspend to get one of Napoli’s best players.
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