As Napoli's summer transfer strategy is taking shape, personal agreements with Sam Beukema (Bologna) have entered the final stages.
However, there is a different individual who is being evaluated as the real 'priority' within Napoli. The key target identified by head coach Antonio Conte is Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich).
On the 19th (Korea time), Italian media outlet Area Napoli reported, "Napoli has agreed on the contract terms with Beukema's side, but discussions on the transfer fee with Bologna are still ongoing."
It was also added that "Conte still considers Kim Min-jae as the number one priority, and he has been a player he hoped to acquire since his tenure at Tottenham."
Kim Min-jae spent his first season at Bayern Munich last season. In the early part of the season, he formed a stable starting lineup with Dayot Upamecano, but the situation changed in the middle of the season. He repeatedly experienced Achilles tendon issues and continued to play despite not fully recovering, leading to a noticeable decline in performance.
Ultimately, there were more mistakes, and criticism from German media and fans intensified. Trust within Bayern Munich was also fractured. Head coach Vincent Kompany and Director General Eberl are said to have left the door open for Kim Min-jae's transfer.
As a result, interest in Kim Min-jae is naturally rising again. Multiple European clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle, and AC Milan, are probing for his acquisition, and movements are also detected from the Middle East. In particular, Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has completed preparations for a transfer offer.
Amidst all this, the emergence of Napoli is a noteworthy factor. Kim Min-jae debuted in Serie A wearing the Napoli jersey in the 2022-2023 season and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the top of the league in his first year.
Kim Min-jae gifted Napoli the Scudetto after 33 years and was recognized as the league's best defender by being selected as "Defender of the Year."
Head coach Conte is well aware of such success experiences. Since Kim Min-jae is a player who has already been verified on the Italian stage, he is the optimal card to use as the center of defensive tactics. Conte has also included Milan Skriniar (Paris Saint-Germain) as an alternative, but the barrier of a high salary remains a burden.
Meanwhile, Napoli has announced a significant reshuffle ahead of their participation in the UEFA Champions League. They have already signed Manchester City's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and have started pursuits for Kim Min-jae's national team teammate Lee Kang-in.
If Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in end up playing together on the same team, it could have an impact beyond a simple acquisition. It is a card that could attract explosive interest from local Italian fans as well as Korean football fans.
Kim Min-jae's future destination has yet to be determined. However, the rumors of his return to Napoli are being regarded as a serious scenario that could pave a new chapter in his European career.
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