According to a recent report by Gazzetta dello Sport (translated by Sport Witness), Everton will face fierce competition in pursuit of Beijing Sinobo Guoan defender Min-Jae Kim this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Toffees will have to battle it out with Lazio, Tottenham Hotspur, Red Bull Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven in the race for the South Korean centre-back’s signature during this summer transfer period.
Kim Min-Jae’s Solid Spell In The Chinese Super League
Kim has enjoyed a fruitful spell at Beijing after putting in a run of dominant performances at the heart of Bruno Génésio’s defence. He has made 27 appearances in the Chinese Super League, but has still not opened his goal-scoring or assist-making account for his current employers.
On the defensive end, the South Korean centre-half has been a commanding presence for Sinobo Guoan since arriving from Jeonbuk Motors at the beginning of last year. His current deal with the Beijing club is set to run out at the end of 2021, so the Toffees will do well to win the chase to acquire his services for a bargain fee this summer.
The 23-year-old has represented the South Korean national team in 30 senior matches, banging in three goals for his homeland in the process. If Kim decided to join his international teammate, Heung-min Son in English football, then he will have a good shot of keeping his spot in South Korea’s first-team in the coming years.
What Will The South Korean International Add To Carlo Ancelotti’s Team?
Kim Min-Jae can use his quickness to pull off some important recovering runs at the back. He can use his strength to outmuscle the opposition and win most of his aerial duels inside his half. The Gyeongnam-born defensive ace is proficient at sensing the danger quickly and can make a few crucial interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his team. However, he can be a bit sloppy with his ball-distribution, which is an aspect of his game that he needs to improve if he wants to be a success story in Premier League football.
The South Korean centre-back’s aerial prowess coupled with his tenacity to win possession back makes him a decent target for Carlo Ancelotti to consider during the summer transfer window. He will not only add more bite and steel to the Everton backline but also enhance the overall depth of their squad. At 23, Kim is about to enter the peak years of his playing career which the Toffees could look to capitalise on in the coming seasons.
Furthermore, the Chinese Super League star will offer some much-needed competition for the likes of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite in the race to secure a permanent starting berth at Goodison Park next season. Hence, Ancelotti should think about stepping up his chase for the South Korean powerhouse in this off-season.
