Report: Napoli now pick 25-year-old Tottenham target as their first choice to replace Koulibaly at centre-back

By Milo Clay

Napoli are stepping up their efforts to replace Chelsea-bound Kalidou Koulibaly, with Area Napoli reporting that Fenerbahce’s Kim Min-jae is their top choice. 

Tottenham have reportedly shown interest in the South Korean defender this summer, with Antonio Conte apparently giving the green light for the club to go and sign him. 

But Chelsea’s decision to sign Koulibaly, as reported by Fabrizio Romano reports, could cause them to disrupt Conte’s transfer plans at Tottenham.  

Min-jae made the switch to Turkey from Chinese Super League outfit BJ Guoan last summer and made 40 appearances over the course of last season. 

Area Napoli states that Napoli are making a serious approach for the South Korean defender and that he is looking to leave the Turkish side for a more demanding league. 

The 25-year-old has reportedly been a long-standing target for Spurs, but Football.London reported last month that he isn’t high up on the list of centre-back options this summer. 

Conte has already added ‘world class’ defender Clement Lenglet to his defensive options during the window and if reports are true, Spurs do not seem to be making a real attempt to sign Min-jae just yet. 

Heung-Min Son’s International teammate is nicknamed the ‘Monster’ and stands at an impressive 6 feet and 2 inches. If Spurs decide to step up their interest, he would certainly add physicality to their backline. 

TBR’s View: Min-jae would be a gamble for Spurs 

Despite an apparent long-standing interest, Min-jae would be a huge gamble for Conte. This is mainly down to his lack of experience playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.

He’s impressed in Turkey and China so far in his career but the Premier League would represent a massive step-up for the South Korean. 

And if Spurs want to challenge in all competitions and at the top of the league this season, they may be best off signing a defender with experience at the top level of the game.