Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is open to selling defender Kim Min-jae this summer if the right offer comes, according to Il Mattino.
De Laurentiis regrets not selling Kalidou Koulibaly earlier for a bigger fee. He waited until last summer before accepting a €40 million bid from Chelsea.
The filmmaker had rejected a €100 million offer from one of the Manchester clubs. He had also refused massive sums from Chelsea in 2016 and 2017 when then-coach Antonio Conte wanted him.
De Laurentiis does not want to make the same mistake again. He will look to sell if he gets a good offer for his prized centre-back.
Min-jae has been an integral part of a Napoli side that tops the Serie A table with 19 points. They look set to seal their first Serie A title in over 30 years.
While Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have won most of the plaudits, Min-jae’s solidity at the back has been just as influential.
The South Korean has helped the Partenopei keep 11 clean sheets in 26 appearances in Serie A. He has won 67% of his aerial and 59% of his ground duels.
Min-jae is assured on the ball, breaking the lines with his passing and recording a 91% passing accuracy. He has netted two goals and one assist.
He has been equally good in Napoli’s Champions League run, helping them keep three clean sheets in eight games. He has won 66% of his duels in Europe.
Unsurprisingly, big clubs have noticed him and may consider a move this summer. Premier League club Manchester United reportedly want him.
Min-jae has a release clause that varies between €50-€70 million depending on which club makes the offer. United could sign Min-jae as they prepare for Harry Maguire’s exit.
