Manchester United will not be able to activate Napoli star Kim Min-Jae’s release contract in January if they wish or choose to do so.
The South Korean defender has earned the interest of a host of top European clubs, including United, after a string of fine performances for the Italian giants.
Kim was linked to United by CNN Turkey.
However, according to Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio, the only way to wrest the 25-year-old from Napoli would be to pay his release clause, which is around €45m.
Di Marzio revealed, “In Kim Min-Jae’s contract, this clause is present but cannot be exercised in January.”
“The termination clause cannot be triggered by other clubs or by the player himself and should be around 50 million.”
“Consequently, in the winter market, the interested clubs will not be able to ensure the defender’s sporting performance by paying the clause.”
Di Marzio adds: “Interested parties will have to wait until at least next summer.”
Kim reached Italy’s top flight from Fenerbahçe for just over €18m in the summer to replace Kalidou Koulibaly, who signed for Chelsea.
The player has had no trouble adjusting to his new team and the league, earning praise as one of the best defenders in the league. His displays have helped Napoli rise to the top of Serie A, where they currently are.
Already a mainstay in Luciano Spaletti’s backline, if Kim maintains his form and continues to play at his current level, it will only be a matter of time before another club replaces him.
Certainly he is one that United should keep a close eye on and try to tie down, especially in today’s market where centre-backs of his caliber are going for over a hundred million.
