Man Utd ‘set’ to complete transfer for £52m star in the next three weeks

Napoli defender Kim Min-jae will become a Manchester United player on 1 July, according to reports in Italy.

Il Mattino, a newspaper based in Naples claim United will pay his €60m (£51.5m) release clause, which will be active between 1-15 July. The outlet state Min-jae is ‘sure’ to join United when that clause becomes active and the player has already accepted a contract of £9m per year at the Red Devils.

The 26-year-old’s arrival could be the club’s first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer. United’s priority is a centre-forward, and Min-jae’s current Napoli team-mate Victor Osimhen could join him at Old Trafford, while Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta remains a possible target, as the pursuit of Harry Kane looks increasingly futile.

ManchesterWorld understand United also want to add two midfielders, while a right-back and winger are still areas Erik ten Hag would be interested in strengthening. Centre-back was another priority position, and there’s been a sense United were in prime position to sign Min-jae during recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the South Korean’s potential arrival could hasten the exit of Harry Maguire. The United captain ended the campaign as fifth-choice option at centre-back, and Ten Hag is willing to let the ex-Leicester City man depart this sumer, despite reports last week that Maguire wants to remain at Old Trafford.

Victor Lindelof’s exit has still not been ruled out, although it’s looking likely that he will stay at United next season.

As for Min-jae, the defender played a starring role in Napoli’s title win in 2022/23 and he missed just three league games throughout the campaign. He has enjoyed something of a meteoric rise and two years ago was still playing in China. But successive impressive campaigns at Fenerbahce and then Napoli have alerted Europe’s top clubs to his talents.