19 June 2023 , 08:52
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Erik ten Hag has been left exasperated as Manchester United look set to miss out on transfer target Kim Min-jae with the Napoli defender poised to join Bayern Munich.
Kim, 26, has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford for months after starring in Napoli’s run to the title. The South Korean only joined the Serie A club last season from Fenerbahce but such were the level of his performances, he has admirers across Europe’s top clubs.
United’s hopes of signing Kim are now diminishing amid the uncertainty over United’s takeover situation. The club’s Glazer owners initiated the sales process seven months ago and despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim both tabling multiple bids, United’s future remains unclear.
A report in Foot Mercato outlines how Kim has now decisively decided to join Bayern, who they say will trigger the player’s €47million (£40m) release clause and offer the defender a net wage of €10m (£8.5m) per annum – with other interested clubs, including United, informed of the decision.
Football Italia cite Foot Mercato as claiming that United’s ongoing takeover saga has impacted their pursuit of Kim. Bayern were in a position to offer a firm offer and clear sporting project, while United’s position is still deep uncertainty and a lack of clarity.
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It comes after a report in Corriere dello Sport, the South Korean international had previously given United ‘more than a promise’ to commit to a move to Old Trafford. The developments over Kim’s future is another blow to Ten Hag’s transfer plans over the past week after the boss was reportedly ‘furious’ at United falling behind in the race for Declan Rice.
Man United have held talks with the entourage of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae (SSC Napoli/Getty)Have Your Say! Would Kim have been a good signing for United? Tell us what you think here.
It is believed that Monaco defender Axel Disasi is now United’s first choice for defensive reinforcement with the France international believed to be open to a move. The club are also attempting to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea and are prioritising signing a new striker and a new goalkeeper.
Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof will all be central defenders for United next season, but club captain Harry Maguire could leave the club. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have already left at the expiration of their contracts.
Returning loanee defenders Alex Telles and Eric Bailly are expected to be sold permanently while Brandon Williams is also available for transfer. Luke Shaw was deployed in central defence at times this season, showing the need for reinforcement, with Ten Hag keen to add a signing into the position.