Newcastle Know They’ll Struggle To Beat Manchester United to £40m Star

Newcastle United concede that Manchester United is the most probable Premier League club to secure Kim Min-Jae due to the defender’s wage demands presenting a challenge for Eddie Howe’s team.

A week ago, The Daily Mail reported that some figures within St James’ Park believed Manchester United was at the forefront of the pursuit for the South Korean international, standing at 6ft 3ins, and hailed as the ‘world’s best defender’ by his Serie A-winning coach Luciano Spalletti.

The Mail’s recent update on Kim Min-Jae’s future gives some clarity to this apprehension. It appears that Newcastle are worried that the 26-year-old’s financial expectations could disrupt their current salary framework. While the Magpies have Saudi Arabian billionaires backing them now, their post-Mike Ashley transfer dealings have remained measured and sensible, with high-profile signings like Alexander Isak being more of an anomaly.

According to Spotrac, Newcastle’s top earners are Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, both pocketing £120,000-a-week, which is lower than the salaries of at least eleven Manchester United players.

Meeting Kim’s salary expectations likely won’t be an issue for Manchester United. However, Newcastle is hesitant about signing a player whose wage demands could upset their established wage structure, even if Kim’s talent could significantly boost a team aiming for a Champions League comeback.

Furthermore, due to Financial Fair Play regulations, Howe might only have a £80 million budget this summer. Considering Kim’s £40 million release clause in his Napoli contract, his transfer could consume half of Howe’s funds, particularly when a left-back and an attacking midfielder seem to be the main targets.

At Manchester United, Erik ten Hag is also focused on enhancing the attacking lineup. Depending on the budget left after potentially signing Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, and factoring in the proposed takeover and the sale of Harry Maguire, ten Hag might consider Kim.

Fabrizio Romano indicates that Kim, who has been on United’s watchlist since his days in China with Beijing Guoan, has been a point of conversation at Old Trafford since November. Furthermore, he is their top priority for the centre-back position, over Axel Disasi, Jurrien Timber, and Gleison Bremer.