Aheed Abrar
Napoli chief Cristian Giuntoli reveals 15-day window to trigger release clause of Manchester United target Kim Min-jae
Cristian Giuntoli, the sporting director of Napoli, has revealed there is a 15-day window in the summer to trigger the release clause of Manchester United target Kim Min-jae.
The South Korean has been linked with the Red Devils to bolster their backline. He joined the Serie A giants in the recent transfer window from Fenerbahce and signed a four-year contract with a time-sensitive £43.8 million release clause.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Express), Giuntoli disclosed that sides interested in Min-jae would have the opportunity to trigger the release clause in the summer for a short period.
“It is only valid for foreign clubs and it is accessible in a window in July for just 15 days.”
The South Korean has thrived in Italy since moving to Napoli. As a result, a number of clubs are keeping an eye on the 26-year-old.
Erik ten Hag is keen on bringing the centre-back to Manchester. The Dutch manager would like to add the defender to the Old Trafford side’s backline as he plans to offload Harry Maguire.
The England international has lost his place in the starting lineup at United. Our captain played a part in the first two games of the season. Unfortunately, we lost to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Since then, Ten Hag has preferred the partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the Red Devils’ defence. And the France and Argentine internationals have been relatively solid.
In recent weeks, it has become evident that the Dutch manager does not favour Maguire. Victor Lindelof has started ahead of the 29-year-old, with Varane out injured.
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Thus, if our backline is weakened over the coming transfer windows, a new centre-back is evidently needed to add strength in depth. Min-jae has had a meteoric rise with the Partenopei, who are currently leading the Serie A table. But will United opt to sign him in the summer? Only time will tell.
