Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae with the January transfer window in full swing – a player that Danny Murphy claimed at the World Cup he was told might cost an enormous £100million.
The 26-year-old has starred for Napoli since joining the Serie A side in the summer from Fenerbahce. Napoli sit top of the Serie A table. Napoli suffered their first League defeat on Wednesday evening, a 1-0 away loss to Inter Milan.
They remain five points clear at the top of Italy’s Serie A. Kim has been pivotal to that, playing in 15 of his side’s 16 Serie A games – five clean sheets, conceding just 13 goals. In the Champions League, he has played every minute.
A campaign in which Napoli secured 15 points from 18, resting players in their final game which saw them lose 2-0 to Liverpool. Two more clean sheets, only six goals conceded. Little surprise, then, that Liverpool have become interested.
Il Mattino report that the Reds want to sign Kim – with van Dijk picking up a hamstring injury. Danny Murphy said during commentary on BBC Sport between South Korea and Uruguay that he had been told Kim is a £100m player.
“His performances have been so good. I was talking to someone , he said that Manchester United are in for him and they’re talking £100m – that’s how quick you can grow. [Napoli] have been sensational this season, him included.”
Liverpool join Kim Min-jae race: Murphy told he would cost £100million
What a signing Kim would be for Liverpool. He impressed in the 4-1 win over Liverpool and while he did feature in the 2-0 defeat to the Reds – it was a weakened Napoli. Kim is likely to move to the Premier League at some stage.
But right now? Unlikely. He would hardly want to leave his current side when a potential Serie A title is on the horizon. Of course, if Liverpool table an offer of nine figures, then Napoli might force Kim into a move – but that is unlikely.
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