Kim Min-jae has been linked with a move away from Napoli this summer, with Ibrahima Konate emerging as a target.
According to a report by Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness, Kim Min-jae could be heading to Bayern Munich, and Napoli are now looking for a quality replacement for him. The Serie A champions have identified Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as a potential option.
The French international defender joined Liverpool for a fee of around €40 million, and he has established himself as a key player for Jurgen Klopp. There is no doubt that the Frenchman is one of the best defenders at the club. So it is highly unlikely that Liverpool will sanction his departure.
Konate has the potential to develop into a world-class player, and he would be a sensational acquisition for Napoli. However, the Frenchman has a long-term contract with Liverpool, and the Reds are under no pressure to sell him.
Furthermore, the defender seems quite happy at the Premier League club as well. So he is unlikely to push for a move to Napoli. Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae was a key player for Napoli last season, and he helped them win the league title. The Serie A champions will have to replace him adequately. So they need to bring in a top-class defender this summer.
The player was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League as well, with Manchester United keen on signing him. However, it seems that the South Korean is keen on a move to the Bundesliga, and he will end up joining the Bavarian giants.
The German champions will be able to snap him up for a knockdown price because of the €45 million release clause in his contract. Signing a player of his quality for €45 million should prove to be a masterstroke. The 26-year-old is certainly one of the most reliable defenders in Europe right now.
It remains to be seen whether Napoli can put together a lucrative package to tempt Konate in the coming weeks. Liverpool missed out on Champions League qualification last season, and they will be desperate to get back into the top four next year.
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Selling one of their best players this summer will weaken the squad and Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to sanction the Frenchman’s departure. Furthermore, Liverpool will struggle to replace the French defender without the lure of Champions League football.
