Tottenham: Kim Min-jae transfer update

Tottenham Hotspur look set to reignite their interest in signing Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

Tottenham have been interested in signing Kim for quite some time, with their interest dating all the way back to 2018, at which point he was still playing in the K League for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho spoke of his desire to sign the South Korean during his time in north London, stating the player himself ‘really wanted to come’, however, the club were not willing to spend £10m and offered £5m.

At one stage, the Lilywhites were set to sign the centre-back in 2020. He reportedly flew to the capital to finalise the move but a deal was never struck, eventually going on to sign for Napoli in a £16m transfer.

The Latest: Interest reignited

According to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, are set to reignite their interest in their long-term target and are prepared to rival Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool for his signature.

Champions League qualification is said to be vital in persuading the 26-year-old to join in the summer, which means it is imperative Tottenham have a strong end to the season.

Napoli have been unwilling to sell the defender in the past, although the decision may be taken out of their hands, as his contract contains a £43m release clause which will become active for two weeks in July.

The Verdict: Get it done?

It will be incredibly frustrating for Tottenham supporters that they missed out on the opportunity to sign the 47-time South Korea international when he was available for a cheaper fee, but the second best time to bring him in could be now.

Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson has recently waxed lyrical about the 6 foot 3 colossus, amid links to Newcastle, describing him as ‘incredibly gifted’, while other members of the media have gone as far as calling him the ‘best defender in the world.’

The Napoli star is very comfortable in possession of the ball, averaging a pass completion rate of 89.9% over the past year, and he is also dominant in the air, averaging 2.93 aerials won per 90, placed in the 88th percentile compared to other centre-backs. [FBref]

As such, while Tottenham will, with hindsight, wish they had completed a deal sooner, £43m could still prove to be a bargain for Kim, and they should without doubt pursue a move again this summer.