Global media outlet ‘ESPN’ reported on August 8 (KST), “Napoli are pushing for a new contract with Kim Min-jae to fend off interest from English Premier League (EPL) clubs. Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation. Napoli are keen to remove the £50 million ($81.3 billion) buyout clause held by Kim Min-jae,” the report said.
The UK’s Express also reported that “Man United have made Kim a top target. Newcastle United have also joined the race to sign him. In the meantime, Napoli have offered Kim a new contract that would make a buyout unnecessary. If the offer is accepted, Napoli could face a tricky situation by increasing the transfer fee as they wish.”
Kim joined Napoli from Fenerbahçe last summer. He arrived in Italy with the heavy responsibility of replacing world-class center back Kalidou Koulibaly.
Napoli paid €18.05 million (approximately KRW 25.1 billion) for Kim. The investment paid off. Under Luciano Spalletti, Kim established himself as a solid center back. He flourished in the league and in the UEFA Champions League (UCL).
The rest is history. Napoli won the Scudetto (Italian Serie A title) in the 1989-90 season, 33 years after winning the title during the Diego Maradona era. In the UCL, the club reached the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. Kim played a key role alongside rising stars such as Victor Osimhen, Hvitsa Kvarachelia, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. 안전놀이터
At the end of the season, there was a flurry of transfer speculation. Despite being one of the top 10 most expensive center-back transfers of all time, it was widely considered a bargain. Among the many options, he was heavily favored to join Man Utd or Newcastle with a ticket to the UCL next season.
But the tables were turned. Napoli wanted to squeeze every last penny out of the deal. They have reportedly offered Kim a new contract with a buyout clause removed. If that happens, both United and Newcastle will have to spend more money.
Kim will begin basic military training on May 15 to resolve his military service. After the training, the negotiating table will be set to determine his next career move.