“Monster-like Defense: Kim Min-jae Reportedly in Talks with Manchester United to Join EPL”

[골닷컴] Correspondent Kang Dong-hoon = It looks like the ‘monster’ Min-jae Kim (26, Naples) will eventually enter the English Premier League (EPL). Following discussions with Manchester United (hereinafter referred to as Man Utd) in earnest, it is reported that Napoli refused to ask for the transfer allowance (buyout) to be deleted.

Reporter Santi Auna, an expert on the European football transfer market, said on the 13th (Korean time), “Kim Min-jae is eager to move to Manchester United this summer.” reported the news.

If Kim Min-jae accepts the transfer offer and enters Old Trafford during the upcoming summer transfer window, he will become the 15th Korean player ever to play on the EPL stage. It is also the second time to wear a Manchester United uniform after Park Ji-sung (42).

Kim Min-jae, who wore the Napoli uniform last summer, performed amazingly from the first season. He immediately jumped to the core and showed off his monster-like defense in the Italian Serie A as well as in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). This earned him the nickname ‘The Iron Pillar’.

In fact, while playing 43 official games (42 starts), he boasted solid physical, fast speed, and stable defense. Amidst his outstanding performance, he was awarded the Player of the Month last September, and took the lead in helping Napoli rise to the top of Serie A after 33 years.

Naturally, Kim Min-jae received a ‘love call’ from a big club. In particular, he is receiving active courtship from Man Utd, who desperately needs to reinforce the center back, but he is getting more attention because of the buyout clause that will be activated temporarily for 15 days from July. This is because he, who is currently evaluated as the best defender in the top 5 European leagues, can be recruited by paying only 40 million pounds (approximately 67 billion won).

However, Kim Min-jae was in an atmosphere of staying this summer despite numerous transfer rumors and pouring ‘love calls’. Here, the weight was focused on Napoli’s remaining ‘all-in’ on the renewal of the contract. However, with the summer transfer market approaching, it seems that he is choosing to go to Manchester, deciding to take on a new challenge.

In particular, Napoli requested the deletion of the buyout clause, but Kim Min-jae refused and is expected to promote the transfer in earnest. He also appears to have made up his mind as he accepts a huge salary offer from Manchester United. Although the specific amount was not mentioned, it was reported that he was offered an unconventional contract comparable to that of a star player.