Milan’s summer transfer window ended with a few gaps in the squad, which need to be filled (as rightly acknowledged by those directly involved) in the upcoming transfer windows. January, for example, could already be an opportunity to give Ruben Amorim a new central defender, one more suitable than Koni De Winter and Matteo Gabbia to lead the back three according to the specific requirements of the Portuguese coach.
In general, Gerry Cardinale has made it known that he does not want to settle for players who lack status: if there is to be a signing, it will be a player of European level, either already in the prime of his career or with clear future potential. In January, however, it is not so easy to move the big names; this is why so-called exceptional opportunities could come into play.
Talks...
In Germany, the future of Kim Min-Jae is currently a topical issue. The South Korean defender is at Bayern Munich with a contract expiring in 2028; the Bavarian club’s intention is to sit down with the 1999-born player to explain Vincent Kompany's plans for him. What is clear at the moment is that Kim is not an automatic starter for the Belgian coach: he does play, including from the first minute, but not with the continuity he would have in the Rossoneri shirt. This is why, after three difficult years in Germany, the former Napoli player could decide to try a new experience. Aston Villa are reportedly interested in him, needing to strengthen their defence after Konsa’s departure in the summer, as are Roberto De Zerbi’s never-satisfied Tottenham, at least as far as the transfer market is concerned, as per Corriere dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
Milan are also keeping an eye on Kim's situation.
It is not the first time. In the last two transfer windows, the Rossoneri club had already approached Bayern Munich, but found the door closed, above all because of the player’s desire to play all his cards in Germany. The next meeting with Kompany and the Bayern management, however, could change the situation. If Kim were to understand that he is no longer part of the project, his willingness to move could increase significantly. The transfer fee is not high (around €25 million) while more in-depth considerations would be needed regarding his salary, especially in relation to the average wages and financial possibilities of Italian football. His current salary is set at €7 million net per season.
Kim would represent a proven and reliable option for Amorim, but two other, younger defenders of unquestionable talent are also in the running. The first is Gonçalo Inácio, the Portuguese defender from Sporting Lisbon, who costs around €40 million and is highly appreciated by the Rossoneri coach. The second is Tiago Gabriel, Lecce’s 2004-born centre-back, whose price is around €25 million.
For both of them, the most complicated part will be negotiating with their respective clubs in order to prise the player away midway through the season, both are extremely important to their respective squads. With Kim, however, the situation could be different. Much will depend on Kompany and on Milan’s subsequent assessments.
