Newcastle United have set their sights on Kim Min-Jae to further strengthen their defense.
Newcastle have been competitive in the English Premier League (EPL) this season. The Magpies improved after the arrival of Saudi Arabian capital and the appointment of Eddie Howe last season, but they immediately found themselves in the top half of the table. The squad was bolstered by the right investment in the summer. The existing resources were also transformed under Howe, with the team performing incredibly well.
After finishing in the final four and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (UCL), Newcastle plans to invest heavily again this summer. After strengthening the squad with competitive and promising additions, the Magpies want to make a run in the EPL and UCL. First, they want to build on their strengths. Newcastle’s greatest strength was their defense.
Newcastle’s center back line with Sven Bortmann and Fabian Schurrle was very solid. With solid support from midfielder Bruno Guimarães and Dan Byrne, who played mostly at left fullback, they were the EPL’s lowest conceded team. They only conceded 33 goals in 38 games. That’s tied with EPL champions Manchester City. The solid defense has helped Newcastle pick up point after point.
The goal is to make the defense more solid and build an ironclad defense. This is why they want to sign Kim Min-jae. The British ‘Sportsmall’ reported on the 30th (KST), “Newcastle will compete with Manchester United for Kim Min-jae. Newcastle has been impressive in the 2022-23 season and will play in the UCL for the first time since 2003-04. Newcastle, the lowest conceded team, boasts a strong back line, but they are looking to add Kim to make their squad more competitive in the UCL.”
Kim developed into one of the best center backs in Europe with Napoli’s top defensive performances. In addition to his defensive prowess, he was also highly regarded for his forward movement and build-up play. He was praised for his revolutionary role in helping Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years since the 1989-90 season 안전놀이터.
He’s been nominated for Serie A Team of the Year and is a favorite for Defender of the Year. Barring any upsets, he’ll win the award. The statistics are overwhelming. According to soccer stats site Squawka, he has the most touches of the ball, the most passes into the opponent’s half, and the most aerial contests. Squawka calls him a “monster,” and it’s a fitting nickname.
He’s the perfect center back for Newcastle’s direction. They have UCL tickets and the money to tempt Napoli and Kim Min-jae. It’s an attractive enough team. In terms of competition for places and playing time, Newcastle might be the better option. The race for Kim Min-jae now looks like a two-horse race between Newcastle and United.