Napoli defender Kim Min-jae ‘can’t wait to join Man United’ but ‘won’t be able to join the Red Devils right away’… with the South Korean due to undergo mandatory military training this summer
- Napoli’s Kim Min-jae has been a summer transfer target for Manchester United
- The central defender would like to move but will not join right away
- The South Korean international is due to complete his military training this summer
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United but won’t be able to join the Premier League side immediately if he joins Erik ten Hag’s side.
The South Korean, who recently won Serie A’s best defender award, has been an expected summer transfer target for the Red Devils for several months.
The 26-year-old played a crucial role in the Scudetto triumph at Napoli, making 35 appearances in the season, and has become one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Reports emerged on Monday suggesting United were ready to trigger the £51m buyout clause in the defender’s contract.
And now new claims suggest the South Korean is optimistic about a move to England but will have to delay his dream Premier League move.
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae reportedly keen to move to Manchester United this summer
Erik ten Hag’s side have identified the South Korean as one of their top transfer targets
According Il MattinoKim is keen on signing for United and is preparing to move from Italy to England in the coming months.
However, in the meantime, the South Korean will have to undergo a few weeks of mandatory military training before he can join the Red Devils.
According to South Korean law, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 must complete 21 months of national service, unless you are exempt.
Kim – along with Tottenham winger Heung-Min Son – earned a bye in 2018 with their Asian Games triumph, but will still have to undergo a few weeks of compulsory training.
Son has already completed his military training in 2020 while Kim was due to undergo hers this summer.
He is also expected to take a short break after training before joining the club he is signed with.
Kim enjoyed a stellar campaign for Napoli in the 2022-23 season, keeping 20 clean sheets in 45 games, scoring twice and providing two assists along the way.
Tottenham star Heung-Min Son completed mandatory military training in 2020
Kim (right) stands out with his best defender award after a stellar campaign at the back for Napoli
It’s likely to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with United also submitting a £50million bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
United are interested in Harry Kane but face significant competition for the Tottenham striker, particularly from Real Madrid.
In ten Hag’s first season, United won the Carabao Cup, but they were beaten by rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
United finished third in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Europa League in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Sevilla.
