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Napoli defender Kim Min-jae ‘is keen on moving to Man United’ but ‘won’t be able to join the Red Devils straight away’… with the South Korean set to complete compulsory military training during the summer
- Napoli’s Kim Min-jae has been a summer transfer target for Manchester United
- The central defender is reportedly keen on a move but won’t join straight away
- The South Korean international must complete military training in the summer
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Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United but won’t be able to link up with the Premier League outfit straight away should he join Erik ten Hag’s side.
The South Korean, who recently won the Best Defender in Serie A award, has been a planned summer transfer target for the Red Devils for several months.
The 26-year-old played a crucial role in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph, making 35 appearances in the season, and has become one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Reports emerged on Monday that suggested United were willing to trigger the £51million buyout clause in the defender’s contract.
And now, new claims suggest that the South Korean is optimistic over a move to England but will have to delay his dream transfer to the Premier League.
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United in summer
Erik ten Hag’s side have identified the South Korean as one of their primary transfer targets
According to Il Mattino, Kim is keen on signing for United and is preparing for a switch from Italy to England in the coming months.
However, in between that, the South Korean will have to complete a few weeks of compulsory military training before he is able to link up with the Red Devils.
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Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 must complete 21 months of national service, unless you are exempt.
Kim – along with Tottenham winger Heung-Min Son – earned exemption in 2018 with their triumph at the Asian Games, but will still need to undergo a few weeks of compulsory training.
Son already completed his stint of military training in 2020 whereas Kim had been expected to undergo his this summer.
He is also expected to take a short break after the training before linking up with whichever 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 his compulsory military training in 2020
Kim (right) stands with his Best Defender award after a stellar campaign at the back for Napoli
It is likely to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with United also tabling a £50million bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
United are interested in Harry Kane but face significant competition for the Tottenham striker, especially from Real Madrid.
During ten Hag’s first season in charge United won the Carabao Cup but they were beaten by rivals Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
United finished third in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Europa League at the quarter-finals stage by eventual winners Sevilla.
