Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae when his release clause becomes live at the start of 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 central defender has a release clause in his Napoli contract, thought to be in the region of £43million, which significantly eases the signing process for United. This clause will only be active between 1-15 July, meaning there is a short window available to wrap up the deal.
It is claimed in Naples-based media outlet Il Mattino that Napoli are planning on Kim’s move to United to be completed on 1 July. Furthermore, they are taking the transfer as already done and as such will sign Slovak defender David Hancko from Feyenoord as his direct replacement.
Kim enjoyed a standout campaign for Napoli and while the centre of defence is not seen as top of United’s summer priority list, his availability for such a clause coupled with his desire to move to Old Trafford makes the deal a
A report in CalcioNapoli24 last week outlined how Kim said his goodbyes to Napoli’s fans and his teammates in their 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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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.
Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof will all be central defenders for United next season, but club captain Harry Maguire is set to 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, with United boss Erik ten Hag keen to add a signing into the position.
