Manchester United could exploit a quirky clause in the contract of Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae in the summer of 2023.

According to Corriere dello Sport (print edition December 29, page 5), any club outside of Serie A that wishes to sign the Napoli defender can do so by activating his €50 million release clause – but only from July 1-15.

The Red Devils were first linked with a move to sign the Napoli centre-back a couple of days ago.

And with United manager Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his central defensive ranks at Old Trafford, signing the South Korean international seems like a no-brainer.

Raphael Varane’s consistent injury problems are becoming a genuine concern, while Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford is far from certain.

It seems as though Ten Hag may have a great opportunity to strengthen his centre-back options, but he will have to wait until the summer.

Manchester United may have chance to sign Kim Min-jae

If Ten Hag does want to bring the 26-year-old defender to United, there will be nothing stopping him from doing so in the summer.

If a club come in and meet his release clause between July 1-15, Napoli will be powerless to keep hold of him. And United should not think twice about exploiting that particular loophole in the former Fenerbahce ace’s contract.

Min-jae would be a very solid addition for United. He is a strong and aerially commanding centre-half. During an interview with the Guardian, the defender labelled himself as a monster and suggested that the word sums up his playing style perfectly.

Meanwhile, well-renowned scouting and football analytical website Breaking the Lines label him as a ‘colossus’.

He has scored two goals in 14 games for Napoli this season and has averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 3.9 clearances and 3.1 successful aerial duels per match.

The Napoli ace has averaged 73.7 passes per game on average and has recorded a completion rate of 89.6%.

Signing Min-jae for £43m seems like an absolute no-brainer for United. Ten Hag should not hesitate to bring the South Korean to Old Trafford.