Napoli might find Kim Min-Jae’s heir in the same place where they acquired the South Korean ace, Turkey, as they have laid eyes on Rayyan Baniya. He has been starring for Fatih Karagumruk since 2021 after joining from Hellas Verona.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Partenopei have to tussle with the top Super Lig sides, but they would have the inside track if they zeroed in on him. The youngster would like to return to Italy. The Azzurri and Roma eyed him in January, testing the waters for a loan with option to buy. The Giallorossi have already added Evan Ndicka to their backline this summer.
Napoli face competition from a fellow Serie A side, Torino, for Baniya. The Scudetto champions have shortlisted a few options to replace Kim, who’s on the verge of transferring. Bayern Munich are currently leading Manchester United in the race to capture him. The suitors will be able to trigger his release clause in early July.
The 24-year-old was born in Bologna and cut his teeth in Serie C while in Italy, spending time at Mantova and Renate. He moved to Turkey on a free and was coached by Andrea Pirlo in the past campaign.
Our Take on Napoli and Baniya
While the Partenopei will have a pretty penny to spend following their star’s departure, they might opt to sign a relatively unknown player, as they did when Kalidou Koulibaly left, rather than splurging on somebody of equal caliber or on a super-touted prospect. This option would fit the bill but be a major gamble.
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