Man Utd's deal to sign Napoli sensation is 'practically done'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 21 May 2023 11:23 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United's proposed move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is 'practically done', according to Italian press, as Erik ten Hag prepares for his first summer arrival.

The Red Devils are on the brink of finalising a deal for the South Korean star, who has been labelled as "the best centre-back in the world" by Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti after his incredible form this season.

Kim reportedly has a clause in his current contract that will allow Man Utd to sign him for around €50 million in the first two weeks of July, and a report from Il Mattino claims that while Kim has doubts over moving to Old Trafford, the transfer is 'practically done.'

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His performances at the heart of Napoli's backline helped them clinch their first Serie A title for 30 years and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they fell to AC Milan.

They have also caught the eye of scouts across the continent, but it appears as though Man Utd remain in pole position and are set to add Kim to their defensive roster this summer.

Erik ten Hag has favoured a centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane this campaign, although the former was ruled out for the season after suffering a serious foot injury against Sevilla, while the latter has struggled with injury problems since signing from Real Madrid in 2021.

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Kim will arrive as competition for the pair, while club captain Harry Maguire may be sold in order to free up space for the South Korean in the squad. Phil Jones will leave the club when his contract expires.

Man Utd's summer business

Kim looks set to become Man Utd's first arrival this summer, but he won't be the last.

The Red Devils are keen on signing a new number nine and another central midfielder, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, Declan Rice and Ruben Neves all linked with a move to Old Trafford in the coming months.

Reports have suggested that Kane and Hojlund could both join the club this summer, while David de Gea's position remains uncertain, despite reassurances from Ten Hag.