Kim Min-jae’s heavily anticipated move from Napoli to Bayern Munich is now a mere formality, with the official announcement expected soon. Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the Bavarians have triggered the defender’s €50 million release clause before subjecting the player to medical checks on Friday.
Min-jae passed his medicals with flying colors yesterday and is now on the verge of pledging his allegiance to Bayern. The 26-year-old comes as a long-term replacement for Lucas Hernandez, whose blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain is a done deal.
Despite spending just one season in Serie A, the South Korea international leaves Napoli as a club legend. His fantastic showings last season provided the backbone for a long-overdue Scudetto, establishing him as one of the fan favorites at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
But when money talks, the Italians shut up and listen. Napoli bigwig Aurelio De Laurentiis did everything he could to stop the transfer. But Bayern tied his hands when they decided to activate Min-jae’s release clause.
While only paperwork separates the former Fenerbahce center-back from officially becoming a new Bayern signing, his departure leaves Napoli with a bitter taste. But more importantly, with a significant void to fill. Min-jae arrived as a long-term replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly last summer, but he did much more than his predecessor.
In just one season, he pulled off what the Senegalese giant couldn’t in seven years. It makes it even more difficult for Napoli to say goodbye. But the reigning Serie A champions must start looking for his successor immediately.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |