Jose Mourinho wanted to sign Kim Min Jae during his time in charge of Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, Fenerbahce president Ali Koc tells Gazete Vatan.
They call him the ‘Korean Virgil van Dijk’ for a reason.
Like the Liverpool stalwart, Kim Min Jae is a man mountain of a centre-back, a defensive colossus blessed with the passing range of a seasoned playmaker.
It was a bit of a surprise, then, when it emerged that the 25-year-old was joining Fenerbahce from Beijing Guoan in the summer of 2021. Especially with so many clubs in major European leagues battering their eyelashes in Kim’s direction.
But is Fenerbahce merely a stepping stone? A bridge between the Chinese Super League and a club at the top of the European tree? It would certainly be something of a shock if Kim, like fellow centre-half Attila Szalai, is still a Fener player when next season kicks off.
Especially with president Ali Koc admitting that there is ‘great interest’ in many of Fenerbahce’s biggest names.
Will Tottenham return for Kim Min Jae?
“There is a great interest in our five or six of our players,” Koc says. “However, it is very difficult to replace all of them.
“Jose Mourinho wanted Kim Min Jae a year ago. They did not pay the 14 million euros (around £12 million).”
Fenerbahce are also looking to retain the services of former QPR ace Bright Osayi-Samuel, who Koc describes as ‘the best right-back in Turkey’. Striker Serdar Dursun and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could also be the subject of offers from elsewhere.
Tottenham, meanwhile, remain in the market for a new central defender. The Athletic believe that Antonio Conte wants an upgrade for Ben Davies, despite the Welshman’s committed and consistent performances on the left of the Italian’s three-man backline.
Sven Botman remains a target but, according to reports, the Lille stopper is set to join Serie A leaders AC Milan.
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