06 June 2023 , 10:06
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Kim Min-jae has said his goodbyes to Napoli and Manchester United look set to activate his £51million release clause in July.
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 contains a release clause which removes any negotiation process.
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 boss Erik ten Hag wants to add another elite central defender to his ranks this summer to compete with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for a starting role – both have had injury issues this campaign. Luke Shaw has often been deployed in the position this season.
A report in CalcioNapoli24 outlined how Kim said his goodbyes to Napoli’s fans and his teammates in Sunday’s final Serie A game of the campaign – a victory over Sampdoria. The same report claims that Napoli were keen to keep the South Korean star but cannot compete with United’s financial package.
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In Calciomercato, it is claimed that several meetings have already taken place between the player’s entourage and United transfer chiefs with an agreement close. It is also claimed that Kim’s release clause does not kick in until July – meaning any transfer will not be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Man United have held talks with the entourage of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae (SSC Napoli/Getty)Have Your Say! What players do Man Utd need to sign this summer? Tell us what you think here.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, insiders at Napoli are 'taking it for granted' Kim will be a United player in the summer, while Corriere dello Sport have gone even further – claiming that the defender will be playing at Old Trafford next season.
The delay in the transfer coincides with Kim being required to complete military training in his homeland. 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 Tottenham'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.
While defence is not a priority for United this summer – with a new goalkeeper, central striker and attack-minded midfielder taking precedence – they are targeting defensive recruitment with a number of defenders set to depart.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are both leaving as free agents at the end of their respective contracts with further defenders set to depart, as Ten Hag continues his ruthless approach at the club and reshaping the squad to fit his demands.
Club captain Harry Maguire will have any transfer offers listened to by the club, while United are also looking for the permanent exits of Alex Telles and Eric Bailly, who are both returning from loan spells at Sevilla and Marseille respectively. The futures of other high-earners, such as David De Gea and Antony Martial, are also unclear.