Man Utd blow as ‘Real Madrid enter transfer race for Kim Min-Jae and could trigger Napoli star’s £38m release clause’
REAL MADRID have joined Manchester United in the race for defender Kim Min-Jae, according to reports.
The centre-back, who starred for South Korea at the World Cup, is now in the middle of a tussle between two of the world’s biggest clubs.
GettyKim Min-Jae has seen his reputation grow since he left Beijing Guoan for Fenerbahce in 2021[/caption]
United had previously had interest in the star before he moved to Fenerbahce in 2021 for only £3m.
But he impressed in his single season in Turkey and moved to Napoli a year later for £16m.
United and Madrid are now set to tussle over the star, according to the Mirror.
Napoli have a £38m release clause on Kim and the Italian club are now vulnerable to Carlo Ancelotti‘s side swooping for the defender.
It would be a huge blow to Man United who had Kim on their radar when he would have been available for only £3m.
Questions are now being asked at Old Trafford why they did not follow-up on their interest in Kim.
The 26-year-old served to effectively replace Kalidou Koulibaly when the Senegal international left for Chelsea.
He has proven his worth and has played in all but one game to help Napoli take an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A before the World Cup break.
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He also had a big role in helping South Korea reach the last-16 in Qatar before they fell apart against Brazil.
Kim would represent a big boost to the Red Devils’ defensive options if they could bring him to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag has settled on Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane as his first choice centre-back pairing.
But injury issues have held back the Frenchman since his move to Manchester.
Ten Hag also has the likes of Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire to call upon.
Maguire has enjoyed a good World Cup after a difficult period at club level.
