Man Utd face Kim Min-jae transfer problem with Napoli star set to undergo military training

Manchester United's approach for Napoli’s Kim Min-jae could be scuppered with the centre-back set to undergo military training, according to a report.

United are allegedly attempting to lure Kim away from Naples, with a range of reports suggesting the Old Trafford club could trigger a £40million release clause in the South Korean’s contract.

The 26-year-old has played 34 Serie A games this term as Napoli surged to their first Scudetto in 33 years.

And United have been tipped to pay Kim’s release clause, which will reportedly only be active from July 1 to 15.

However, one factor that could scupper a summer transfer for the defender is that he is due for military service in the summer.

Kim Min-jae’s military service

According to CalcioNapoli24 Kim’s military service has been pencilled in for June and July back home in South Korea.

The service will last three weeks despite the fact Kim was part of the South Korean side that received a military exemption after claiming a gold medal at the Asian Games.

Indeed, this is an alternative service, which focuses on imparting the basic and reserve military training completed by Korean army trainees.

Tottenham star Son Hueng-Min, who was also part of the squad that won the Asian Games in 2018, underwent the training two years later.

Of course, Kim will likely be in South Korea for the 15 days his release clause is valid, which could complicate a transfer away from Napoli.

Should United get a deal over the line, however, Kim would be a brilliant addition to their ranks.

Luciano Spalletti hailed Kim as one of the “best centre back in the world” earlier this season.

The Napoli boss outlined why Kim has become such a crucial player to his side in March, claiming: “I've seen few players in my life and career with the skills and qualities of Kim Min-jae.

“He's incredible, always aggressive — he deserves to start every game. Kim does at least 20 incredible things per game, for me he truly is the best centre-back in the world.

“When he starts the run with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opposition penalty area in five seconds flat.”

Topics: Football, Transfers, Manchester United, Napoli, South Korea

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.