Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti named Kim Min-jae as the heir to Kalidou Koulibaly, but Fenerbahce have already agreed terms with Rennes instead, so it’s a real battle now.
The situation is becoming a huge problem for the Partenopei, who have lost their rock in defence Koulibaly with a €40m transfer to Chelsea.
The search for a replacement immediately zeroed in on South Korea international Kim, who has a €20m release clause in his contract.
They are hoping to get the deal done for circa €15m and Calciomercato.com, Sky Sport Italia and others are all confident Kim agreed personal terms with Napoli.
However, reports from Turkey and France – as confirmed also by Calciomercato.com – maintain Fenerbahce have already signed an agreement with Rennes for the €18m transfer fee.
They have given Rennes permission to speak directly with Kim, who has been offered a contract worth €2.2m per season.
This is setting up a showdown between the player and his club, so now it depends on whether Kim is ready to accept Rennes or hold off in order to push through a Napoli transfer.
Fenerbahce have seemingly already made their decision.