Kim Min-Jae has caught the eye of Manchester United and Napoli are already looking for replacements should an offer come through.
That’s according to Italian outlet Napoli Piu, who reports that Gli Azzuri fans are ‘concerned’ about the South Korean’s contract situation.
The Serie A side only signed Kim in the summer window, but between his impressive performances and relatively low release clause, the centre-back is already attracting interest.
Napoli signed the defender from Fenerbahce for around €20m and agreed to a release clause during contract negotiations, believed to be between €45m and €50m.
That clause takes effect next summer.
Given his immediate adaptation to the Italian top flight and the perfect replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, that price could be a bargain for the Red Devils, if the player’s form continues.
Italian transfer market expert Paolo Bargiggia believes the situation could be a win-win for Napoli, telling 1 Station Radio (quotes via Napoli Piu):
“Napoli would not be caught off guard and is already monitoring some possible replacements for Kim.
“Beyond the clause, optimism filters through the Azzurri to stay in Italy for at least one more year. He is a very attractive player, although there was no real interest from the British.
“If a club paid the clause next year, it would also be a great added value for the Italian club.”
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is expected to try to bind Kim to a contract with no release clause, just months after the previous deal was signed.
But if United increase their interest in light of poor performances from Harry Maguire and interest in Victor Lindelof, the Serie A stalwart may prefer to keep his options open until the summer.
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