Soccer Football - Europa League - Group D - Fenerbahce v Olympiacos - Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey - September 30, 2021 Fenerbahce's Kim Min-Jae and Fenerbahce's Attila Szalai warm REUTERS/Murad Sezer
Taking to Twitter, journalist Pedro Sepulveda of SIC Noticias has shared an interesting Tottenham Hotspur update involving a familiar transfer target in Fenerbache defender Kim Min-jae.
The Lowdown: Waited for Spurs in 2020…
Reliable reports out of South Korea in 2020 heavily indicated that the towering centre-back wanted to join Spurs.
Min-jae, targeted by both Tottenham and Lazio during his time in the Chinese Super League with Beijing Guoan, was apparently in favour of a move to north London over Italy despite his club accepting an offer from the Serie A side.
According to SPOTV News, as relayed by Korean football journalist Jason Lee, the 25-year-old was ‘waiting’ for Daniel Levy and co to make their final bid as he preferred to sign for ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
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Around a year-and-a-half on, it appears Tottenham aren’t done with the international defender.
The Latest: Sepulveda shares interesting update…
SIC Noticias reporter Sepulveda says Spurs, and by extension manager Antonio Conte, sent an official to run the rule over Min-jae in Turkey at the weekend.
Indeed, people from Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, FC Porto and Juventus were spotted watching Fenerbache’s ace as his side drew 1-1 with Trabzonspor on Sunday.
The Verdict: Make a move…
It is believed by reliable sections of the press that Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici are targeting a centre-half signing this summer with the likes of Sven Botman, Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol already linked (The Telegraph).
Min-jae, who is quite the physical presence at 6 foot 3, could come as a cheaper alternative to some of these big names going by his rumoured €20 million (£16.6m) asking price.
According to WhoScored, Min-jae has averaged more clearances per 90 domestically (4.1) than any Spurs regular in the Premier League.
Numbers like these could back his colossal presence in defence, even if there is an argument to be made that these numbers come in a less competitive division.
Nicknamed the ‘monster‘ back in Korea for his imposing build, the central colossus’ physicality could however be suited to England’s top flight – with Min-jae also averaging more interceptions per 90 (2.1) than any Spurs star (WhoScored).
For a potential valuation of around £16-£17m, he stands out as a shrewd option.
In other news: Tottenham attempts to seal mega money agreement take new twist as major off-field news emerges, find out more here.
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