Man Utd confirms date for Kim-min Jae transfer arrival after "goodbyes said" to Napoli
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has been extensively linked with a summer transfer switch to Manchester United, with his release clause set to be activated between July 1 and July 15, 2018.
Manchester United will complete the transfer of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae when his release clause becomes active at the beginning of July.
Kim, 26, has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United for months despite having only moved to Naples last year.
The South Korean international had a fantastic season, starring in the club's incredible Serie A title-winning season, but his contract has a release clause that precludes any further negotiations.
The center defender's contract with Napoli includes a release clause worth around £43 million, which makes the recruitment process much easier for United. This clause will only be in effect from July 1 to 15, implying that there is only a limited time to complete the transaction.
According to the Naples-based media outlet Il Mattino, Napoli expects Kim's transfer to United to be completed on July 1. Furthermore, they are treating the trade as completed and will sign Feyenoord's Slovak defender David Hancko as his straight successor.
Kim had a stellar season for Napoli, and while the center of defense is not viewed as a high priority for United this summer, his availability for such a clause, combined with his willingness to transfer to Old Trafford, makes the transaction a possibility.
According to a story in CalcioNapoli24 last week, Kim addressed his goodbyes to Napoli supporters and teammates in their final Serie A game of the season, a victory over Sampdoria. According to the same source, Napoli wanted to keep the South Korean star but couldn't compete with United's cash deal.
Insiders at Napoli are 'taking it for granted' that Kim will be a United player this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, and Corriere dello Sport has gone even further, suggesting that the defender will be playing at Old Trafford next season.
United will have three center defenders in Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof next season, but club captain Harry Maguire is poised to go. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have already left after their contracts expired.
Alex Telles and Eric Bailly, who are back on loan, are anticipated to be sold permanently, while Brandon Williams is also available for transfer. This season, Luke Shaw has been deployed in central defense at times, with United manager Erik ten Hag looking to add a signing to the position.
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