Daniele Longo, the Italian journalist from Calcio Mercato who correctly predicted Kim Min-jae’s move to Napoli, is convinced that Kim Min-jae will head to Manchester United this summer.
Kim Min-jae has been recognised as the best defender in Serie A. The Italian Serie A secretariat announced on its official social media accounts on the 2nd (KST), “The best defender of the 2022-23 season is Kim Min-jae. He is a Serie A winner and a member of this season’s Serie A Team of the Season. An impressive debut. Congratulations.”
It was no surprise. Kim moved to Napoli for €18.05 million this season and immediately made an impact in Italy with little time to adjust. With his physicality and football intelligence, he played a crucial role in helping Napoli win their first Scudetto in 33 years with his forward defence, man-marking and covering at the back.스포츠토토
His individual performances were equally spectacular. He was named Serie A Player of the Month in September, Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Month in October, and four times in the European Sports Media (ESM) Team of the Month.
Serie A also recognised his achievements by awarding him the best defender award. Kim was delighted to receive the man of the match award at home to Sampdoria on 5 May, and celebrated his new history with Napoli by holding up the Scudetto after the game.
Nevertheless, Napoli are not happy. Kim has been heavily linked with Manchester United. Before and after the game, local media outlets such as Area Napoli said that “it’s only a matter of time before Kim Min-jae says goodbye to Napoli fans” and that the game against Sampdoria would be Kim’s last for Napoli.
There’s a reason for this. Kim has been heavily linked with Manchester United. According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli insiders are “taking it for granted” that Kim will join United in the summer.
This is because of the buyout. Kim has a release clause of at least 50 million euros ($69.9 million) that will be triggered between 1 and 15 July. This is why Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis cannot stop Kim from joining United, despite the club’s policy of not selling any players.
Longo finally spoke out, telling Calcio Mercato on the 5th: “An inevitable offer has come in for the Napoli centre-back. After discussions with his agents, the club has put a multi-year contract worth €7 million per season on the table, and Kim Min-jae is shaking as he prepares to say “yes.””
The case for Kim’s move to United is gaining momentum. Longo is known for his knowledge of the player and Napoli, having correctly predicted his move to Napoli last summer, as well as explaining every detail of the transfer process.
Man United are serious about signing Kim. “Man United’s courtship has been going on for at least two months. They will pay €60 million between 1 July and 15 July to secure the South Korean defender,” explaining that Kim’s future is at Old Trafford.
Napoli have already found a replacement: Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who has been tipped to succeed Kim on several occasions. At the tender age of 19, Scalvini has already seen plenty of Serie A action, and his potential in terms of footwork and consistency makes him a player that Napoli can rely on.
The final variable for United is the takeover of the club. The Glazers have not made a final decision on the sale of the club for nearly six months. Longo pinned the timing of Kim’s transfer down to “when a new owner is appointed and the club’s situation is finalised”.