Kim Min-jae has quickly filled Kalidou Koulibaly’s shoes at Napoli already imposing himself as one of Serie A’s best defenders.
The Korean centre-back replaced Koulibaly at the Stadio Maradona in the summer, with the Partenopei activating his €18m release clause to sign him from Feberbache. Koulibaly had flown to Chelsea in €40m deal, including add-ons.
Kim has scored two goals in eight appearances across all competitions with Napoli, but his solid performances at the back have caught the eyes in the opening stage of the season in Italy.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, no other Serie A player has won more aerial duels than the new Partenopei giant (24). He is also in the top five for defensive blocks (32) and successful passes (437).
Reports in Turkey and the UK suggest Manchester United are already considering a January move for the rock-solid defender by paying his release clause, but according to Sky Sport Italia, the clause is only valid from the summer, so Kim will remain an impossible dream for the Red Devils in the winter transfer window.
Kim has signed a contract until 2025 at the Stadio Maradona, but the Partenopei have an option to extend for two more years.