Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae is considering a move to Liverpool as he weighs up his options this summer.
That’s according to French outlet Footmercato, who claim that the Reds are ‘very interested’ in signing the 26-year-old.
It’s claimed that this is a possibility of interest to Kim, or more specifically, to his agents. To that effect, the player’s entourage are said to have ‘opened the door’ on a move to Liverpool.
Although Kim is reportedly ‘in no hurry’ to leave Napoli, the chance to be a star at Anfield is supposedly being ‘clearly debated’ within his camp.
As a result of a relatively low release clause becoming active this summer, the South Korean could be available. Along with Liverpool, PSG are also claimed to be eyeing Kim. Unsurprisingly, Napoli are said to be attempting to head this off with a new contract offer to their star defender.
Footmercato claim that the Serie A leaders will offer Kim a new deal containing a release clause of around £79m. However, the player’s advisors are said to be ‘not yet unanimous’ that he should stay on in Naples.
Finally, it’s reported that despite the apparent discussions with intermediaries, there has been no ‘official’ contact between clubs. Furthermore, Napoli won’t open any conversations about a transfer before the season is over.
Liverpool looking at smart Kim deal
As Liverpool look to beef up their defence over the coming window, they couldn’t do far better than bringing in Kim.
Although Napoli are seemingly looking to raise his release clause, it currently stands at around £44m. For that money, you won’t find a better centre-half in Europe. In fact, even if Liverpool pay the £53m they are reportedly willing to, it’ll be money well spent.
Truly, Kim has been brilliant this season. The Partenopei’s more glamourous attacking stars may have stolen the headlines in a stellar campaign – and rightly so. But make no mistake, the former Fenerbahce man has been just as important.
Former Napoli player Emanuele Calaio has called his displays in the heart of Luciano Spalletti’s defence ‘extraordinary.’ Indeed, Kim has taken the impossible task of replacing Kalidou Koulibaly and made it look like the easiest thing in the world.
At twenty-six, he may be a little older than some supporters may prefer, but he’s still yet to enter his peak. With Virgil van Dijk needing to be managed a little better than he has been in the last two seasons, Kim could be the man to take that pressure off.
With a relatively low release clause, his signing could still allow Liverpool to go big on someone like Josko Gvardiol in 2024. They could gamble on a younger player for a similar fee, or they could get a ready-made package in Kim. For us, it’s a no-brainer. Keep on at those agents, Reds, get his head turned!