Tottenham have joined Manchester United in the race for Kim Min-Jae, with the Napoli star’s contract having a £43 million release clause.
According to Football Insider, Kim Min-Jae could be Premier League bound as Tottenham joins other big clubs in the hunt for the South Korean. The Napoli defender reportedly has a £43 million release clause, valid for a limited period in July.
Napoli are having a flying season in Italy as they race towards their first Serie A crown in 33 years. Luciano Spalletti’s men are 21 points ahead of second-placed Inter Milan and have also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
There’s plenty of optimism in Naples, especially with the Champions League. If Napoli continues performing with their current relentless, they have a golden opportunity to make it to the European Final. They face AC Milan in the quarters. If they win, one of Inter Milan or Benfica could face them in the semis.
Attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have taken plaudits for their terrific form. However, Kim Min-jae has quietly performed at his best in defence. Napoli have conceded a paltry 16 goals all season in Serie A, with the South Korean their undisputed star performer.
Many clubs in England regret not signing Kim Min-jae earlier when they had the chance. Those include Tottenham, who have now joined the chase for the South Korean defender. Spurs are keen on a new centre-back or two in the next window, as they have shown signs of weakness at the back this season.
Antonio Conte’s future remains uncertain, but it will be a board decision to pursue the South Korean. Kim Min-jae reportedly has a release clause in his contract worth £43 million, which may be only valid for two weeks in July.
Considering his value to Napoli, the Serie A giants are unlikely to sell him for that sum and could demand a significantly higher price if it was in their hands. Manchester United are reportedly prepared to pay this release clause as they maintain an interest in the South Korean.
Liverpool are also keen and holds a similar stance with his release clause. Napoli can still offer him a new deal and possibly insert a higher clause. Kim Min-jae’s performance certainly warrants a bumper new deal However, Spurs will hope that does not happen and they will get the chance to swoop in.
If the release clause exists, Tottenham or any other suitor of the £43 million-rated Manchest4er United target could have a go at Napoli. However, clubs would need to play Champions League to prise Kim Min-jae. Spurs squandered a two-goal lead against Southampton and may face an uphill task to make it into the top four.
As for Manchester United, they are favourites to finish third in the Premier League. The race for the £43 million-rated star could open in the summer. Napoli could make him a great offer to ensure he remains at the club for the foreseeable future.
He’s been a Spurs target longer than man u