Everton are reportedly preparing an opening bid for South Korean centre-back Kim min-Jae, valued at €23 million by Fenerbahce.
According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, Premier League side, Everton are set to make an offer to Fenerbahce centre-back Kim min-Jae in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Toffees endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign that saw them stave off relegation last week by beating Crystal Palace and eventually finish 16th. While his team did get some impressive results against Manchester United and Chelsea, Everton boss Frank Lampard has much work to do ahead of next season.
A major weakness in the Toffees’ squad has been their rather porous defence. In fact, only three other teams conceded more than the Merseysiders in the Premier League this season, two of whom have been relegated. Given that Everton scored just 43 goals over 38 games, it is easy to see why they need to have a dependable rearguard.
A player that Everton have identified to reinforce the defence is Fenerbahce ace, Kim. The South Korean centre-back has been making a name for himself in the Turkish top-flight and is garnering interest from big clubs across Europe.
The 25-year-old has already been scouted by Everton twice and appears to have made an impression on the Merseyside outfit. Kim has a release clause of €23 million, and Everton, for their part, are ready to make a bid to land their man. Selling him for the price will land Fenerbahce a significant profit on a player they signed for just €3 million a year ago.
Yerry Mina’s injuries have more or less displayed the weaknesses in Everton’s central defensive roster. Michael Keane has struggled for form, while Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite still have much to learn. Adding Kim to the mix will hand Lampard, at the very least, another option to count on.
The South Korean centre-back is a giant of a player and has both the physicality and pace to thrive in the English top flight. His arrival could act as the ideal stepping stone for Lampard to rebuild the Everton squad.
Son Heung-min and Takumi Minamino have shown in recent years that Asian players have what it takes to thrive in the English game. Kim certainly has the potential to make a name for himself, and a €23 million move to Goodison Park could be on the cards.
