Newcastle accept Manchester United are the most likely Premier League destination for Kim Min-Jae with the Napoli defender’s wages a problem for Eddie Howe’s side.
Last week, the Daily Mail indicated some at St James’ Park were under the impression that Manchester United were ‘leading the race’ for a 6ft 3ins South Korea international labelled ‘the best defender in the world’ by his Serie A-winning boss Luciano Spalletti.
Now, with The Mail providing an update on Kim Min-Jae’s future, we have an explanation for such pessimism.
Newcastle reportedly fear that the 26-year-old’s demands would shatter their existing wage structure. The Magpies may be bankrolled by Saudi Arabian billionaires these days but their transfer activity in the post-Mike Ashley era has been pragmatic and sensible so far; big-money signings such as Alexander Isak very much the exception rather than the norm.
Newcastle’s highest earners, per Spotrac, are Isak and Bruno Guimaraes on £120,000-a-week respectively. That that is less than eleven players reportedly take home at Old Trafford.
Manchester United move most likely for Kim Min-Jae
Manchester United would likely have few problems meeting Kim’s wage demands. Newcastle, in contrast, are wary of bringing in a player who could risk breaking their wage structure, even if Kim is the sort of addition who could take a team preparing for life back in the Champions League to the next level.
What’s more, Howe is aware that he may have only £80 million to spend this summer due to Financial Fair Play pressures. The £40 million release clause in Kim’s Napoli contract means he would eat up 50 per cent of Howe’s budget, at a time in which a left-back and an attacking midfielder are arguably the main priorities.
Erik ten Hag, at Man United, is also prioritising additions further forward. He may look to make a move for Kim if there is room in the budget following the potential additions of Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, however, though this could be dependent on the takeover and the sale of Harry Maguire.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Kim – who has been on United’s radar since he was back in China with Beijing Guoan – has been the centre of discussions at Old Trafford since November.
What’s more, he remains the club’s number one centre-back target, ahead of Axel Disasi, Jurrien Timber and Gleison Bremer.
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