Everton: South Korean ‘monster’ linked with a £19.5million move to Goodison Park
By Yusha Sharif
Everton are reportedly ready to launch a bid for Fenerbahce defender Kim Min-jae in the upcoming transfer window, according to the Turkish media outlet, Ajansspor.
The South Korean defender apparently has a release clause of £19.4 million in his current contract so a future move to the Goodison Park won’t cost more than £20 million even in the worst-case scenario.
Everton have conceded 66 goals in the 38 matches played in the 2021-22 season, a disastrous campaign that saw the Merseyside outfit embroiled in a relegation battle. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Frank Lampard is looking to bolster his side’s defence.
The 25-year-old who has been given the nickname, “the Monster”, because of his 6’ 3’’ frame and ability to dominate physically has previously stated that he wants to continue his career in England, this will be a major boost for Everton as they push forward to make a deal happen.
Can Kim Min-jae flourish at Everton?
Kim Min-jae has been turning heads with his displays in the Turkish top flight. He joined Fenerbahce from Chinese outfit Beijing Guoan in the summer of 2021.
The Yellow Canaries paid less than £3 million for the central defender and it seems to have been a decent investment as he started all of the 31 Super Lig matches that he was available for this season, further playing the full 90 minutes in all six of the Turkish outfit’s Europa League games.
It is safe to say that he has gone on to make a fantastic impression in European football. Defensively, his average of 3 interceptions per 90 and 2.17 blocks rank him in the 93rd and 88th percentile when compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, apart from that he has a pass completion rate of 87.3% per 90 and 4.5 clearances per 90. (stats via FBref)
These stats show why he would be a good addition to the Royal Blues’ squad, who are in desperate need of an overhaul at the heart of defence this summer.
Everton looking for a central defender means that the Toffees could offload one of their current central defenders.
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Will Everton sign Kim Min-jae?