Manchester United face a scare in their pursuit to sign Kim Min-jae. The talented 26-year-old defender has been under the radar of Erik Ten Hag for a long time now and was almost a done deal until now. However, the landscape has shifted as Newcastle United have joined the race to sign this 26-year-old talent as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his defensive line. The former Bournemouth manager does not want to be complacent and continue his way forward with the Magpies.
Kim Min-jae’s release clause is said to be activated on 1st July and to be valued somewhere around £50 million. Manchester United will soon part ways with Harry Maguire and earn enough to get the Asian defender as they are asking somewhere around £40 million for the Englishman whose future under Erik Ten Hag seems as good as his performances; shabby and below par.
As Newcastle look to hijack the defender, Man United pace up to sign the former Fenerbahçe defender who came to Europe for a meagre £3 million. Kim Min-jae had an inventive debut season with Napoli where he made 45 appearances and successfully registered 20 clean sheets which also helped the Italian side win its first league title after 33 years.
Kim Min-jae’s record while making tackles and interceptions are one to ponder as well. The South Korean is second best in Europe after Aaron Wan Bissaka in terms of making accurate sliding tackles where the full-back registers a whopping 92% accuracy and is followed by Jae with 86%.
Kim Min may well be joined by his teammate and rising star Victor Osimhen who has been followed by the Red Devils. Manchester United are in need of a centre-forward as they look to shoulder the load of scoring goals on Marcus Rashord. Their priority is still Harry Kane but should the English captain join Real Madrid which most likely is after Karim Benzema’s move to Saudi; Man United will have to go to their second best option in Victor.