Manchester United are reportedly set to seal a move for Kim Min-jae, although the club are exploring different ways to formulate an agreement.
According to Il Mattino, Manchester United may have come close to reaching an agreement with Napoli for Kim Min-jae. The Italian club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, may not have a choice but to part ways with the South Korean. The Red Devils are still exploring different ideas, including a part exchange involving Victor Lindelof.
Manchester United are keen to sign a new central defender in the summer. Erik ten Hag wants to continue his squad building after a decent season in which they might make the top four. For the Dutch boss, the challenge only begins now. But he will hope the club backs him with sufficient funds.
They would need a significant transfer budget, as they are already closing on their first summer signing. Kim Min-jae is a player they have followed closely in the last few weeks. The South Korean has been an instrumental presence for Napoli, as they won their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Manchester United are keen to sign him and may have already beaten off competition for the 26-year-old. The Red Devils are prepared to make a bumper contract offer worth €9 million a season. The money on the table may have helped the player’s representatives to make a choice, as it may have been the most lucrative offer.
Manchester United now have the task of convincing Napoli of an agreement. Kim Min-jae has a reported €65 million release clause, something the Red Devils are willing to pay imminently. However, the Premier League giants are also exploring ways to convince De Laurentiis.
The Napoli supremo may want the release clause to be paid in full, but Manchester United will look to structure their payments. Alternatively, they could also explore adding 28-year-old Victor Lindelof in the deal for top target.
Manchester United were reportedly keen to offer a new deal for the Swede. However, if Kim Min-jae arrives, the 28-year-old could fall down the pecking order, which may not go well with the defender. He could open his doors over a move to a top team like Napoli, but are the Italians open to taking him?
For now, Manchester United are close to sealing a deal one way or another. How they structure a deal with Napoli remains the question. The South Korean will make Ten Hag’s side stronger and certain challengers for honours next season.
