Man Utd agree deal for Serie A defensive star

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 16 May 2023 21:02 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United could be close to securing their first signing of the summer, after agreeing terms with imperious Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae.

The South Korea international, 26, only joined the Partenopei from Fenerbahce last summer but has enjoyed a fine first season for Luciano Spalletti’s team, with his rock-solid defensive performances partly forming the foundations of the club’s first Serie A title in 33 years – and first ever run to the Champions League quarter-finals.

As such, Kim’s stock has shot up in recent months – sparking intense speculation of a big Premier League move in the upcoming transfer window.

READ MORE: Who is Gregor Kobel? Man Utd chasing Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper

And it appears that he is bound for Old Trafford: according to Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, Man Utd have all but sealed a deal for Kim.

Such a switch would mark another step up for the 6ft 3in defender, who was playing for Beijing Guoan of the Chinese Super League just two years ago.

Our in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) model currently values Kim at €25m – although it has recently been reported that Napoli want at least €60m for a player who, in a relatively short space of time, has proven himself to be one of their star men.

READ MORE: Man Utd takeover – Raine Group and Sheikh Jassim set for talks

Cracks at the back still show

Kim ought to represent a substantial upgrade on Harry Maguire, who has endured another disappointing season for Man Utd – despite keeping the role of club captain under Erik ten Hag.

With United hoping to return to the Champions League in 2022/23, improvements at the heart of their defence are a must.

While only Manchester City and Newcastle have conceded fewer Premier League goals than Ten Hag’s side this term, certain results have laid bare lingering defensive deficiencies – most brutally March’s 7-0 mauling by Liverpool.