How much will Man Utd and Tottenham target Kim Min-Jae cost?
FT Desk
- 23 Sept 2022 07:26 BST
- 3 min read
Kim Min-Jae has impressed since joining Napoli from Fenerbahce to replace the Chelsea-bound Kalidou Koulibaly, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur among those now interested in the South Korean's services.
Centre-back Kim joined Napoli in an €18 million deal this summer, and has since started every game as Luciano Spalletti's men have raced to the top of Serie A and their Champions League group, ahead of Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers.
A well as completing an average of three interceptions, five clearances and three aerial challenges won per match, Kim has also chipped in with two goals, against Monza and Lazio, and he has understandably caught the eye.
About last night 😂
Kim being Kim…🤪🕺pic.twitter.com/gjfHLbKuut— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) July 28, 2022
United have gone on a four-game winning streak since pairing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back, but with Harry Maguire's future under Erik ten Hag looking uncertain, the need for defensive reinforcements at Old Trafford is obvious.
He won't come cheap, though.
No January move for Kim
"In Kim Min-Jae's contract this clause is present, but cannot be exercised in January by other clubs or by the player himself, and should be around €50 million," write's Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.
"Consequently, in the winter market the interested clubs will not be able to ensure the defender's sports performances by paying the clause, but will have to wait at least next summer."
A €50m fee could end up looking like small change for a 25-year-old centre-back who is exceeding expectations ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar, but United would have competition for his signature.
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"Inter, Juventus, Tottenham, Rennes and Roma have tried to sign Kim, and many clubs have held meetings on video," said his agent Ho Lee when he moved to Italy.
"But we wanted Kim to be able to play in a good team with a certain continuity, and that team was Napoli."
