CC BY-SA 2.0. OTF Logo added.
Erik ten Hag wants to activate the release clause in Kim Min-jae’s Napoli contract.
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, is certainly looking at bringing in a new centre-back of some description this summer.
The Red Devils boss may be about to lose club captain Harry Maguire, with the Dutchman seemingly keen on bringing in another defender, in order to further strengthen the back line.
The centre-back most linked with filling the potential void left by Maguire is Kim Min-jae.
A South Korean, who currently plies his trade for Napoli, Min-jae had a superb campaign for the Serie A side – helping his side to a first league title in many years. Kim was also named Serie A Defender of the Year as a result of his impressive displays.
Yesterday evening, talkSPORT provided an update on Min-jae’s future. They claim that Newcastle United have joined in on the race, with Eddie Howe’s team ‘tracking’ the centre-back.
According to the report, Ten Hag is ‘keen to activate’ the £42m release clause in the contract of the 26-year-old.
Min-jae would walk through the door and immediately become the third-choice centre-back at very worst. I fully believe if signed, there’s a genuine chance he’d replace Raphael Varane as the regular starter – that’s just how good he is.
However, I still believe centre-back isn’t a massive need. Victor Lindelof is an excellent third option, while Luke Shaw can also play there if necessary. Although another top-quality defender would be nice, I believe there are other pressing matters that need addressing first.
The attraction with this one is purely down to the fee. £42m for a player of Kim’s quality is an absolute steal in the modern-day game. Perhaps the gaffer just believes opportunities like this do not come around very often.
Do you think Kim Min-jae would be a good signing for Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
