Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro hopes Napoli star Kim Min-jae stays beyond the summer but is aware that ‘many clubs have set their sights on him.’
The South Korea international moved to the Stadio Maradona from Fenerbache for just €18m last summer and has been one of the cornerstones of Luciano Spalletti’s side in their title-winning campaign.
The defender has a clause worth more than €50m which, according to reports in Italy, Manchester United are ready to activate at the beginning of July.
“Kim did not surprise me, I played against him in China and the experience in Turkey has made him stronger,” Cannavaro told Radio Crc on Wednesday, as quoted by Il Corriere dello Sport.
“I hope he stays even if I know many clubs have set their sights on him.”
Kim’s release clause is worth at least €50m but can the fee can increase depending on the revenues of the club activating it. It is only valid for foreign clubs in the first two weeks of July.
Naples-born Cannavaro admitted that he would have loved to win the title with the Partenopei and insisted that Spalletti’s men should not be disappointed despite elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Milan.
“Napoli’s accomplishment in Serie A has been incredible and many undervalued them,” said the 2006 Italy World Cup winner.
“Napoli must not be disappointed by the Champions League because they made the difference in Serie A and perhaps they can improve in the Champions League next season.”