Manchester City are plotting a late move for Kim Min-jae, with Bayern Munich the current front-runners for the South Korean.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City could hijack Bayern Munich’s move for Kim Min-jae. Pep Guardiola wants a new defender in the summer, and they could add the South Korean to their list despite the Napoli star being close to joining the Bundesliga giants.
The Kim Min-jae chase continues to slide towards ‘saga’ territory. There have been conflicting information regarding the South Korean’s next destination, with Bayern Munich seeming very close to signing him for his release clause.
Many clubs have shown an interest and gone sideways despite the South Korean carrying a modest release clause of about £50 million. The defender wants to leave Napoli despite the club making several attempts to extend his deal.
Manchester United were the early pacesetters, with reports emerging they had already offered an important contract to tempt Kim Min-jae. Old Trafford seemed like the ideal destination for the South Korean for a long time. But Bayern’s entry into the chase complicated the chase beyond repair.
Bayern were in pole position, and once it became clear, Manchester United pulled out of the race altogether. The major stumbling block for the Red Devils was agreeing on the move with Napoli before his release clause was activated. The Bavarians were willing to wait as long as they had an agreement with the player.
Things have taken a different turn with Manchester City’s reported entry into the chase. Pep Guardiola remains searching for a new central defender ahead of the new season and may see a move for Kim Min-jae as the ideal scenario.
They had been leading the chase for Josko Gvardiol. But his price tag may appear like a stumbling block. Leipzig want around £100 million to let the Croatian leave. And compared to Kim Min-jae’s modest £50 million release clause, they may have turned their attention.
They are planning an eleventh-hour move for the South Korean. But much will depend on the terms offered for the £53,000-a-week Serie A winner. Manchester City might match or improve Bayern’s current offer, which could add pressure to the situation.
One way to do this deal is by offering Napoli more money than Kim Mim-jae’s release clause and getting an agreement in place. That’s a scenario for Manchester City and Bayern, which could make the chase all the more interesting for the £53,000-a-week Serie A winner.
Manchester City’s entry in the mix adds pressure on Bayern, who felt they were in the driving seat. Guardiola wants a new defender as he anticipates the possible departure of Aymeric Laporte, and the South Korean could become an ideal replacement.