Newcastle United, who have qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 21 years, are being linked with a move to Manchester United for midfielder Kim Min-jae.
The British Express reported on Aug. 28 (KST),메이저놀이터 ‘Kim Min-jae’s move to Manchester United has been thrown into doubt by the arrival of a Premier League rival. Napoli are preparing to offer a bigger fee for the player and United could be hi-jacked. According to a source close to United manager Louis van Gaal, Kim Min-jae could be on his way to Newcastle.
The outlet adds, ‘A new center back is a top priority for United boss Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal, who is leading United’s bid for the Champions League, has the funds to sign players, but his budget for the transfer window could depend on whether Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) Chairman Sheikh Jassim takes over the club.
In particular, ‘it will be difficult for United to compete with Newcastle, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Newcastle is a club that has spent more than £220 million ($360.8 million) on players since being taken over by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
The outlet added: ‘Man Utd could walk away from Kim Min-jae signing. United have been linked with a move for Kim Min-jae but could look elsewhere. United have enquired about Barcelona defender Kunde and have made the first move to sign him,” it added.
Newcastle, which was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in 2021, is regarded as the deepest-pocketed club in the Premier League. While financial fair play has historically limited the club’s ability to sign players, next season’s UEFA Champions League qualification has boosted the club’s revenues significantly, increasing the amount of money it can spend in the transfer market. Newcastle are expected to be aggressive in the transfer market this summer.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for Kim Min-Jae. On July 25 (KST), Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported, “Kim Min-jae has already been sold to Man United. United will pay Kim’s buyout clause, which kicks in in July. Kim will wait for the buyout clause to be triggered before leaving for Manchester. ‘United are desperate to finalize the signing of Kim before the buyout clause is triggered,’ said the Sun. In addition, Italian outlet Il Matino reported that ‘Manchester United have agreed to pay Kim Min-jae a salary of €9 million (approximately $12.8 billion) and will pay Napoli €65 million (approximately $923 million) in transfer fees’.
