Why Everton should quickly make a move for Kim Min-Jae
According to the Guardian, Premier League side Everton have issued a firm interest in South Korean centre-back Kim Min-Jae, who is nicknamed as “Monster”.
Considered as one of the rising football stars in Asia, Min-Jae currently plies his trade with Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan. The 23-year-old defender has been instrumental in Guoan’s rise to second place in the league table last season, making 26 league appearances.
Min-Jae registered eight clean sheets and played a key role in helping Guoan emerge as the side with the joint second-best defensive record in the league alongside rivals Shanghai SIPG. The young centre-back’s rock-solid displays at the back had seen Guoan concede a mere 26 goals last season. Only Guangzhou Evergrande have conceded fewer goals (24).
Having arrived at Beijing Guoan in January 2019, Min-Jae is already popular in his native South Korea. He rose to prominence with South Korean top-flight side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, with whom he won the league title in 2017 and 2018.
He was also named in the division’s Team of the Season on both occasions, earning himself a move to China. A regular in the South Korean national team, Min-Jae has until now featured 30 times for his country and has three goals to his credit.
With his on-field displays improving with time for both club and country, Min-Jae has attracted interest from European clubs such as Everton, RB Leipzig and a few others. The report also claims that with Min-Jae’s mounting interest in recent times, Guoan are prepared to sell him and value him at around £13.5million.
Min-Jae can offer Everton stability at the back
Premier League side Everton, on the other hand, have endured a difficult campaign in the league so far. One of the major reasons for the Toffees’ dismal show this season has been a weak and inconsistent defence that has conceded 46 goals in 30 league games.
The centre-back partnership involving Yerry Mina and Michael Keane has been prone to errors that saw the doors open to youngster Mason Holgate. The 23-year-old has been a revelation for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, having made 23 league appearances this term. But the Toffees need a consistent partner for the Englishman and Min-Jae could be a good option.
A proven customer with all his former sides, he could help stabilise a Toffees defence that has struggled throughout this season. Hence, Everton should quickly make a move for him and bring him to Goodison Park.
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Verdict
The poor form of experienced defenders Mina and Keane remains a major concern for Everton and Min-Jae’s arrival will only make them stronger. Having proved himself at both club and national level, the young South Korean looks to be in top form and could prove to be an excellent signing for the future. Also, he can develop further under the guidance of a coach like Ancelotti.
