Man Utd face crushing transfer blow as arch enemies topple Ten Hag with monster salary offer
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
Manchester United look further away than ever for the signing of Kim Min-jae after reports in Italy claimed one of their fiercest Premier League rivals were preparing a counter offer to blow away the Red Devils.
The Napoli defender has established himself as one of the world’s leading centre-halves during an excellent debut season in Serie A. Forming a rock-solid central defensive partnership with Amir Rrahmani, Gli Azzurri swept aside all before them to win the Scudetto.
And while a first title success in 33 years sparked wild celebrations, their title-winning side could quickly be broken up.
While star striker Victor Osimhen has agreed a new deal with Napoli, president Aurelio de Laurentiis remains open-minded over a record-breaking sale.
However, the first out the exit door could well prove to be Kim.
Arriving in a bargain €18m (£15.4m) switch from Fenebahce last summer, the 26-year-old signed a five-year deal. But a clause in that contract means the South Korean is able to leave for a cut-price €60m in the first two weeks of July.
That £52.4m fee made him a hugely-attractive option for several high-profile suitors.
And it appeared United had gained the upper hand amid reports claiming Kim had agreed a deal worth £135,000 a week. Furthermore, one report in the Italian media suggested a move to Old Trafford was ‘done’ and ‘crystal clear’.
However, certain sections of the Italian media are known for jumping the gun. And it should have come as no shock to United when reports emerged claiming Bayern Munich are close to tying up a deal.
Man City ready to rival Man Utd to sign Kim
Nonetheless, Corriere dello Sport claims Manchester United are refusing to give up over Kim. Their offer – allegedly submitted well before the season came to an end – remains on the table.
Furthermore, having already held negotiations with his agent, the report suggests United still hold a belief the deal can be done.
However, a new twist in the saga has now arrived. That is amid fresh claims that Manchester City are readying an offer of their own.
And with Aymeric Laporte likely to leave the Etihad, Kim is the player chosen by Pep Guardiola as his successor.
Indeed, CdS claims City are now preparing a huge salary offer to tempt Kim to join the Cityzens. Their financial package to the 26-year-old will top the offer currently lodged by United for Kim.
And the report claims City’s better guarantee of trophies and their more flamboyant football make them a more attractive proposition.
As such, United have never looked further away from signing the 49-times capped star.
Discussing the saga over the player, trusted reporter Ben Jacobs denies United have ever had an agreement in place.
“Man Utd never had a done deal with Kim and could now turn their attention to Monaco’s Axel Disasi, who is open to the move,” wrote Jacobs.
“Monaco are asking for €50m, and if Man Utd proceed, they’ll hope for a lower fee.
“The club have also scouted Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, who is likely to be available for around €30m. Nothing is advanced at this point.”
Ten Hag working with limited Man Utd budget
With United’s takeover also unlikely to go through any time soon, Ten Hag’s finds his hands tied financially. To that end, he will likely have a more modest Glazers-led budget of £120m to spend. Additional funds can be created, however, through player sales.
But with a number of positions to strengthen, a more cheaper option that Kim will hold certain appeal.
Indeed, United also want a new striker and a new midfielder too this summer. As a result, Ten Hag must decide carefully how best to spend his limited budget this summer.