Manchester United is reportedly set to make their first signing of the summer by triggering the release clause of Kim Min-Jae, who currently plays for Napoli.
Kim joined Napoli from Fenerbahce last summer for €18 million, and his contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to move after less than a year at the club for just €6 million during a two-week period at the start of July. According to reports, Manchester United has already confirmed to Napoli that they intend to meet that demand, and Kim has agreed personal terms with the club, with an annual wage of €9 million agreed. The only thing left is for United to pay the required amount to complete the transfer.
Kim Min-jae: The world’s best centre-back?
Kim Min-Jae’s Expected Transfer Value (xTV) is reportedly at €25 million, and his value has been rapidly rising since the start of the season. Despite this, Manchester United‘s ability to trigger his release clause for just €6 million is seen as a bargain, as Napoli could have demanded a world-record fee for the centre-back, who has been branded the best in the world by his head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Manchester United will benefit from several pleasing factors by completing the deal quickly. Firstly, they will sign Kim at a relatively cheap fee, similar to Manchester City‘s signing of Erling Haaland last summer due to his release clause. Secondly, the deal for a problem position has been done before the transfer window has even opened, allowing Kim to join for the beginning of pre-season, which is Erik ten Hag’s preference.