18 May 2023 , 19:58
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Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who is in talks to join Manchester United this summer, must complete his military service next month.
Kim, 26, has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford for months despite only moving to Naples last year. The South Korean international enjoyed a tremendous campaign as he starred in the club’s remarkable Serie A title-winning campaign, but his contract is believed to contain a €50million (£43m) release clause.
The Italian champions are said to be resigned to the possibility of defender Kim exiting this summer. They have identified Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini as a direct replacement in their squad for next season.
United have earmarked South Korean star Kim as a key summer target and the player has been convinced of a move. It comes after Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag insisted that players are now desperate to move to United despite some hesitancy last summer when he took the job.
Speaking to Star News Kore, via Football Italia, a member of Min-jae's entourage looked to downplay the reports that any move for the defender to Old Trafford were premature. He also added that the player’s summer plans may complicate his situation.
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His agent is quoted as saying: "It is not true that a deal has been done with Manchester United. Kim is concentrated on seeing out the season, besides which we still don’t know which English clubs will qualify for the Champions League next term.
Man United have held talks with the entourage of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae (SSC Napoli/Getty)Have Your Say! Which players do Man Utd need to sign this summer? Tell us what you think here.
"There is no rush for the future. United were interested in him when he was still in China, but we only ever chatted about that. I repeat, there has been no concrete contact. In any case, he has to enrol for military service in June."
South Korea maintains a strict policy of mandatory military service, which requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the armed forces for about 18 to 21 months.
However, footballers like Kim and Tottenhan's Heung-min Son, who helped their nation win the Asian Games in 2018 have been entitled to a reduced three-week training block, which the Napoli defender is set to undergo this summer.
That is unlikely to make any huge impact on his football career, as the timing of it will be during a period when footballers typically enjoy some down-time, but it would mean that any summer transfer and preparation for the following campaign has an added layer of complication.