Manchester United Dealt Transfer Blow as Bayern Munich Agree Deal to Sign Defender for €50m
Posted By Sammy Legals
June 29, 2023
8:58 am
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Manchester United have suffered a massive transfer blow as Bayern Munich have agreed a deal to sign their target Kim Min-jae, according to Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Erik ten Hag and Co. are currently in the market for a new centre-back to improve their squad depth. They have the likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire in their ranks.
However, the Red Devils struggled with injuries to key defenders at crucial times in the last season.
Manchester United identified Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae as a possible option. The 26-year-old made 45 appearances in all competitions, helping keep 20 clean sheets. The South Korea international also helped the Italian outfit win their first Serie A title in 33 years.
However, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich entered the race to acquire Kim’s signature. The latter’s contract with Napoli runs till the summer of 2025 but his release clause was around €50 million.
Manchester United were reportedly willing to pay this fee after weeks of negotiations, however, Kim is now on the verge of joining the Bavarians. As per Plettenberg, it seemed like a tough poker game between Bayern and United, but the player has decided to join the German club.
The Bavarians will play the release clause of €50 million. Kim Min-jae’s contract will run till 2028 and he will earn a reported salary of €10-12 million gross/year.
This would be a bitter pill to swallow for the Old Trafford faithful. The club have yet to make their first signing this summer amid the ownership change saga.