Kim Min-Jae has shocked Ten Hag by backing out of a previously confirmed deal
Kim Min-Jae, the Napoli defender who has garnered attention from top clubs around Europe, including Manchester United, is now reportedly closing in on a surprise move to Bayern Munich instead.
Jae, who joined Napoli last summer for a bargain price of €18m (£15.4m), has been a standout performer and played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign. But with a release clause of €60m (£51.5m), Napoli faces the risk of losing the 26-year-old.
Kim Min-Jae, a target of Ten Hag, is nearing a move to Bayern Munich
Several clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, and PSG, have shown interest in signing Kim Min-Jae.
However, recent reports suggested that Manchester United had taken the lead in pursuing his signature. With talks between the club and his agent reportedly reaching an advanced stage.
The reports seem premature as it now appears that Kim is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich. Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg has indicated that talks with Bayern are progressing well, and the club is very interested in acquiring Kim’s services.
The reporter tweeted::
“Talks about Min-Jae Kim proceeding well. #FCBayern is very interested in a transfer! Tuchel appreciates the player as well. Bayern has analyzed and discussed the 26 y/o.”
Plettenberg also mentioned that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel appreciates the player. The final transfer fee for Kim Min-Jae is expected to be somewhere between €50m and €70m.
However, Bayern Munich’s admiration for Kim Min-Jae stems from his ability to play in either centre-back position.
If the transfer goes through, it could potentially pave the way for the departure of Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich.
The French defender, who has been a regular in the team with 82 appearances over two seasons, reportedly wants to leave the club due to his dissatisfaction with his role under Tuchel.
In summary, Kim Min-jae’s expected move to Manchester United appears to have been overshadowed by Bayern Munich’s strong interest in the player.
Moreover, talks between Kim and Bayern are progressing well, and the final transfer fee is likely to be in the range of €50m to €70m.
