Manchester United ‘could trigger’ £42 million release clause of Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae next summer
Manchester United ‘could trigger’ the £42 million release clause of Napoli star Kim Min-jae in the upcoming transfer window, according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils have joined the race for the South Korea international’s signature. In January, Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were linked with the 24-year-old.
Ahead of next summer, a number of teams are monitoring the centre-back’s situation with the Partenopei. It remains to be seen where the defender’s future lies in the coming months.
Min-jae is a right-footed centre-back. The Old Trafford side see him as a long-term replacement for Raphael Varane. The France international has been pivotal for the Manchester-based club this season.
Erik ten Hag is adamant about playing defenders on their strongest sides. The former Real Madrid star has been accompanied by Lisandro Martinez on most occasions in the backline.
The two World Cup winners have been the gaffer’s preferred duo in the defence in the current campaign. The 29-year-old and the Argentina international have formed a solid partnership for us.
Napoli signed the South Korean last summer from Fenerbahce. The Serie A giants signed the defender from the Turkish outfit to replace Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022.
The Partenopei are flying high this season. They are on course to win their first Scudetto in over three decades. The 24-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
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For now, Varane seemingly still has a few years left in the tank. Therefore, we could evidently do without spending big on Min-jae in the upcoming transfer window. Further down the line, it will be interesting to see whether the South Korean will make his way to Manchester.
