Kim Min-jae’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. In just two seasons on the European stage, he has developed into one of the best center backs in the world. Within a year of joining Napoli, he had established himself as a ‘core’ player and alongside Amir Rahmani, he solidified Napoli’s defense. He made his presence felt from the opening day and led the team with his steady defense and build-up play. His performances helped Napoli lift the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years after the 1989-90 season. At the end of the season, Kim increased his value by being named Serie A’s best defender.
This attracted interest from a number of clubs. Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Manchester City have been mentioned as possible suitors, along with Manchester United, who are in desperate need of center back reinforcements.
United were the most active. After losing both Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the second half of the season, the Red Devils were in desperate need of center back reinforcements.
They’ve already been approached several times. The Red Devils have expressed their willingness to pay Kim’s buyout on several occasions, and local media outlets have tipped Kim to join the club.
The player himself has shown interest in a move to United. Citing reports from Italian media outlets Calcio Mercato and Calcio Napoli 24, the British publication Daily Mail said, “Kim Min-jae has already negotiated a transfer with United and is believed to be close to an agreement. Kim has taken some time to clarify his thoughts and has already said goodbye to his Napoli teammates.”
But there was an obstacle. The possibility of a hijack by Newcastle was raised. Having qualified for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season, Newcastle wanted to build depth for next season’s European competition and saw Kim as the right man for the job.
According to British outlet Talk Sport, “Newcastle are considering a £42 million (approx. KRW 684 million) move for Kim Min-jae. After securing a place in the UCL, Newcastle are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season and are targeting Man United’s Kim Min-jae. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is looking to add a top player to the squad,” said the club’s website.
Napoli, a ‘friendly’ team, are also making 스포츠토토 a move for Kim Min-jae. “Man United and Newcastle are in the running to sign Kim Min-jae, but no formal bids have been confirmed,” the Express reported, citing the Telegraph. “Napoli are continuing to offer Kim a new contract in a bid to neutralize his buyout clause,” it added.
In this situation, AS Monaco center back Axel Disassi has emerged as a plan B. According to local media outlets, United have set up Disassi as their ‘Plan B’ in case they fail to sign Kim Min-jae. According to French outlet Foot Mercato’s Santi Auna, the player has become United’s top priority and the club has already met with his manager.
But there was a reason for the plan B. The Manchester Evening News compared the performances of Kim and Disassi this season and said, “Clearly, Kim has the edge over Disassi,” according to the British publication. The media outlet compared Kim and Disassi’s goals scored, goals conceded, clean sheets, tackles per 90 minutes, clears per 90 minutes, blocks per 90 minutes, possession wins per 90 minutes, and passing accuracy. Except for goals and blocks per 90 minutes, Kim was ahead. Even those metrics were close. “United should prioritize the signing of Kim Min-jae somehow,” the outlet concluded.