According to Citta Celeste, Tottenham are weighing up a bid for Kim Min-Jae but may not match Beijing Sinobo Gouan’s asking price. Lazio are credited with an interest in the 23-year-old too, so Kim may have his pick up clubs to join this summer.
Who is Kim?
A central defender, born in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, South Korea, who’s spent the majority of his career in South Korea before his move to China last year.
Kim’s youth career began with Tongyeong Elementary before he transferred to Gaya Elementary and played for Yeoncho Middle School and Suwon Technical High School. After graduation, he played for Yonsei University and eventually dropped out to pursue a professional career.
The South Korean international joined Korean National League side Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC on July 1, 2016 and went on to make 17 appearances before moving on to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in December 22, 2016. Kim made 60 appearances before joining BJ Gouan in January 29, 2019. He’s since featured 41 times and is a regular this season too.
What would he bring to our defence?
Kim is a ball-playing defender who is confident driving with the ball from deep and can turn defence into attack with one pass. The 23-year-old will seldom be beaten in a foot race and is adept at one-on-one situations. He’s a hard player for opponents to beat and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. It’s easy to see why we’re interested.
How much will he cost?
BJ Gouan paid £4.73m for Kim in 2019, but he’s believed to be worth three times that figure now. Citta Celeste say the centre-back has a €15m (£13.4m) asking price but we won’t pay more than €10m (£8.9m). Our dwindling finances are forcing us to thrifty in the transfer market, so Kim would fit the criteria as he won’t break the bank.
Summary
With Jan Vertonghen being released earlier this summer, we need a replacement centre-back to accompany Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga and Eric Dier next season. Kim is rated highly and is affordable, so there may be something to the rumours.
he’s a hidden gem, whichever team got him will have a chance to reach the top in the future
This guy has been talked about for a long time and still Levy does nothing.He has a countryman in Son who would help him settle in very quickly.He is also called The Beast by others and that is for a reason.He is young and just what Spurs need, a very capable player.