Napoli's interest in Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), who experienced his prime on the Italian stage, is intensifying once again. Under Coach Antonio Conte, Napoli is targeting Kim Min-jae as a key figure in the summer transfer market and is exploring the possibility of his return.

Area Napoli reported on the 20th (Korean time) that "Napoli has nearly completed a personal agreement with Sam Beukema (Bologna), but the negotiations between clubs regarding the transfer fee are still in the initial stages."

It continued, "The player Conte really wants is Kim Min-jae. He wanted to bring him in directly since his tenure at Tottenham."

Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich last season and made his debut in the Bundesliga. Initially, he performed well as a key defender based on a stable partnership with Dayot Upamecano; however, he struggled with recurring Achilles pain midway through the season, leading to a decline in his performance. After continued forced appearances, mistakes increased, drawing criticism from German media and fans.

Eventually, it is known that trust within Bayern in Kim Min-jae has begun to fracture. Coach Vincent Kompany and Director General Max Eberl are showing a flexible attitude toward Kim Min-jae's future, and the possibility of his transfer remains open.

Amid this, interest in Kim Min-jae is once again rising across Europe and the Middle East. Multiple big clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle, and AC Milan, are considering acquiring him, and it is reported that Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia is preparing an official offer.

However, Naples' presence holds special significance among these competitors. Kim Min-jae made his Serie A debut in the 2022-2023 season while wearing Napoli's jersey, leading the team to its first league title in 33 years in just one season. That season, he was selected as the "Serie A Defender of the Year," earning recognition as the league's top defender.

Coach Conte is well aware of Kim Min-jae's performance in Italy at that time. Given that he is a defense resource that has already been fully validated in Serie A, he is classified as a player compatible with Conte's unique organizational defensive tactics. Although Milan Skriniar (Paris Saint-Germain) is also among the candidates, Kim Min-jae is gaining weight as a choice amid concerns over high salaries.

Napoli is preparing for major rebuilding ahead of the UEFA Champions League. They have already acquired Manchester City's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and are pursuing the signing of Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain). If Kim Min-jae reunites with Lee Kang-in at Napoli, it could have a tremendous impact not only in terms of strengthening the team but also in terms of fandom and marketing between Korea and Italy.

Kim Min-jae has not yet decided on his next destination. However, rumors of his return to Napoli are evolving from mere speculation into more concrete scenarios. The "return match" between Kim Min-jae and Napoli, who shared the glory of winning Serie A, is ready to become a reality.

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