Aheed Abrar
Manchester United have ‘advantage’ over Manchester City and PSG in race for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae
Manchester United have a ‘clear advantage’ over rivals Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the race for Kim Min-jae, according to Calciomercato (h/t Express).
The Red Devils have the required funds to get a hold of the Napoli centre-back. He has a £52 million release clause. The South Korea international is convinced of and believes it is a ‘safe’ step for him.
As things stand, the 26-year-old has showcased a ‘willingness to embrace Erik ten Hag’s technical project’, providing the Old Trafford side with the conviction to land the defender’s signature.
Min-jae signed for Napoli in the summer of 2022 from Fenerbahce. In his debut season, the South Korean has been a pivotal member of the Naples-based club that has gone on to lift the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades.
City are on course to win a historic treble at the moment. Pep Guardiola’s team beat Real Madrid to book their place in the Champions League final. The Sky Blues have rotated their backline a lot in the current campaign. They possess a ton of quality in defence with the likes of John Stones, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji in their ranks.
As for PSG, they have struggled at the back, with Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos the only established centre-backs at Christophe Galtier’s disposal on a regular basis. Presnel Kimpembe has been on the sidelines for most of the campaign.
United’s backline is stacked. The Dutch manager has relied on Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at the Old Trafford side. As a result, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have found game time hard to come by.
Thus, our captain is expected to depart the Red Devils in the upcoming transfer window. The England international has been on the bench mostly since the former Ajax head coach’s arrival.
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Min-jae is one of the best defenders out there. The 26-year-old would evidently improve the quality in depth at United. But will the Manchester-based club be successful in their pursuit of the South Korean? Only time will tell.
