It seems somewhat clear that Manchester United are keen to sign a new centre-back this summer. It makes sense, particularly if rumours of a Harry Maguire sale turn out to be true.
The name that United have consistently been linked with is Napoli’s Kim Min-jae. The man from South Korea has had a sublime 2022/23 season, emerging as one of the best centre-halves on the continent.
There can be no doubt that he’d improve most teams in world football, including United.
The latest in the saga comes from Il Mattino, via The Metro. They go big yet again, claiming that United have agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old defender.
For a two-week period in July, Min-jae will have a release clause in his contract worth around £51m, with United seemingly happy to pay that fee to bring in the defensive stalwart.
The defender will ‘significantly increase’ his current salary by moving to Manchester this summer. No doubt he’d challenge for starts from day one.
I genuinely believe this would be a genius piece of business. Outside of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, United’s centre-backs haven’t offered much consistency.
Min-jae would give Erik ten Hag a third, elite option in one of the most important positions on the pitch. It’s no secret that Varane’s body is on the decline, too. United need someone who can reliably play when the Frenchman is unavailable or needs rest.
You look at the City squad. It’s filled with great depth in every position. Football is now a squad game more than ever before. Min-jae would be the first step into building that depth, though many more top-level signings would have to follow if United are serious about competing for titles every season.
Do you think a Man United move for Kim Min-jae would make sense? Let us know your thoughts.
