Kim Min-jae (26, Napoli) heard the ‘KIM, KIM, KIM’ chants without having to play his farewell game.
Napoli played its final match of the 38th round of the 2022-23 Italian Serie A season on Friday (June 5) at its home ground, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Against Sampdoria, Napoli won 2-0 to complete a title-winning season.
Napoli are back at the top of Serie A for the first time in 33 years. After dominating from the start of the season, Napoli wrapped up the title early. The final game was a win-or-lose affair, but the feeling of victory was still there, and the cool victory capped off an unforgettable season.
Unfortunately, Kim was unable to connect with the fans on the field. After receiving his fifth caution of the season in the previous match against Bologna in round 37, he was unable to participate in this match due to accumulated discipline. Despite missing the final game, he was applauded by the fans before the match as he lifted the trophy for the best defender of the season.
Earlier in the day, Kim was named the best defender of the season by the Serie A secretariat. He beat out teammate Giovanni Di Lorenzo and AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez for the honor. An award ceremony was held before the game, and Kim beamed as he lifted the trophy. The fans chanted “KIM, KIM, KIM” as he took the trophy.
Unfortunately, it would be the last time the Napoli fans would cheer. Kim has been a standout performer for Napoli this season, and a move is likely. In total, Kim has played 3,055 minutes in 35 games in the league and has been praised by Napoli fans as a “pillar of strength” on defense, with 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 3.5 clearances per game.
The offense was also active. Kim Min-jae’s precise passing helped him start build-ups from the back, and his delivery on set-pieces also created threats, resulting in two goals and two assists.
With all of Europe’s big clubs having expressed interest, the Manchester United transfer speculation is reaching fever pitch. Napoli have been among the most active rumor-mongers, and a move has become a given.
“Kim Min-jae is going to Manchester United,” the official radio channel of Napoli, Kiss Kiss Napoli, said before the final match, quoting journalist Salvatore Caiaza.
Salvatore Caiaza, one of the most authoritative sources for news from Napoli, also announced Kim’s move to Manchester United. “Kim Min-jae will go to Manchester United,” Kaiaza said on Napoli’s partner station ‘Kiss Kiss Napoli’.스포츠토토
Prior to this, Italian media outlet Il Matino also reported that “Manchester United have agreed to pay 60 million euros (approximately KRW 84.1 billion) to sign Kim Min-jae,” predicting that the move will be made in early July when the buyout clause is triggered.
After his best season yet, Kim will return home on June 6 at 12 p.m. via Incheon International Airport. After a short break, he is expected to undergo basic military training for military service.