Kim Min-Jae has caught the eye of Manchester United and Napoli are already looking at replacements should a bid arrive.
That is according to Italian outlet Napoli Piu, who report that Gli Azzuri fans are ‘worried’ 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 attracting interest already.
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 comes into effect next summer.
Given his immediate adaptation to Italy’s top division and seamless replacing of Kalidou Koulibaly, such a price could be a bargain for the Red Devils, should the player’s form continue.
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 unprepared and are already monitoring some possible replacements for Kim.
“Beyond the clause, optimism filters in the Azzurri about staying in Italy for at least another year. He is a player with a lot of appeal, even if there was no real interest from the British.
“If a club were to pay the clause next year, it would equally be a great capital gain for the Italian club.”
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is expected to try to tie Kim down to a contract without a release clause, only months after the previous deal was signed.
But should United step up 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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