Manchester United are negotiating to bring Napoli defender Kim Min Jae to Old Trafford next season as Erik Ten Hag kicks off his rebuilding process.
Erik Ten Hag is looking forward to bringing in more versatile footballers who can create chances when they attack and can be Harry Maguire’s replacement next season.
The center back has a release clause of £43 million–£45 million for an overseas club, which will become available when the transfer window opens on July 1, 2023.
It was reported that Manchester United are ready to activate the buyout clause. Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis wouldn’t oppose the player moving away from the club.
Manchester United currently have two center-backs. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane The team also has Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Both of them had failed to be more efficient and consistent.
Manchester United may want to add competition to the defense, and Erik Ten Hag sees Kim Min Jae as the better option going into next season due to his target.
The South Korean defender has enjoyed a superb debut campaign with Napoli, where he has excelled with his distribution and positioning. Also, his agility and aerial abilities made him a potential first-year signing for Manchester United.
The defender is currently at his peak and could be a worthy investment in the next five years. Manchester United had kept 16 clean sheets this season.
However, their defense has been questioned due to the number of goals conceded this season.
Kim Min-Jae Stats
The defender has made 220 appearances and has six goals to his name. Also, he has created three assists and received 32 yellow cards and two red cards.
However, for his national team, South Korea, the defender made 57 appearances and scored three goals.
Has Kim Min Jae done military service?
Yes, Kim Min-Jae has completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. He was exempted from the two-year conscription period after winning a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
He completed his alternative service in June 2023, which lasted for three weeks.
Kim Min-Jae is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Serie A club Napoli and the South Korea national team.
He is known for his physical strength, aerial ability, and passing range. He has been praised by pundits for his potential and has been compared to former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić.