Carlo Ancelotti has a keen eye for identifying top-quality talent and the latest name the Italian seems to have an interest in is South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae.
Also wanted by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindhoven and Lazio, Min-Jae currently plays in the Chinese Super League and is a transfer target for Everton, claims a story from this Italian news outfit.
But who is Kim Min-Jae and why are Everton showing an interest?
Kim Min-Jae – ‘The Monstre’
Nicknamed ‘The Monstre’, Min-Jae is an intimidating figure, standing 6ft 2in and weighing 86 kilos.
A central defender by trait, the 23-year old is already a household name in his country and is one of the first names on the team sheet for his national side.
Min-Jae is not only adept at dominating his penalty box but is also a real nuisance in set-piece situations and is a player many teams hate to face.
The Korean ace is a strong presence, can win duels with ease while his pace and acceleration get the better of even the best of wingers that he has faced. He rarely makes mistakes at the back and is calm and confident on the ball. What makes him a top-quality star is his decision making under pressure.
His ability to read the game and not commit himself without need shows that he has a mature head on his shoulder and could be a decent addition for most clubs in Europe.
Right Man For Everton?
Carlo Ancelotti used the likes of Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate as his first-choice options for the centre-back roles in the recent season.
Branthwaite has also got a couple of outings but the Italian manager is not convinced by the quality of his centre-backs and could be looking at Kim Min-Jae as a first-team option next season.
Mina and Keane showed strength and resilience at the back but Min-Jae has more to his game and could be a better leader for Everton’s backline who need to level up as evidenced from this season’s display and ultimate listless outcome.
Lack of experience in Europe will certainly effect Min-Jae’ first season at Everton but reports suggest that he could cost less than €20m, which could be a real bargain for The Toffees.
Ancelotti will have to fend off interest from other clubs in Europe but Min-Jae could walk into the first team at Goodison Park and the lure of regular action with a top-flight club in England who have Ancelotti as the manager should be enough to land the South Korean ace.