Former Napoli defender Paolo Cannavaro says Kim is a ‘good player’ but warns the Partenopei that it will be tough to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.
The 31-year-old passed his medical with the Blues on Thursday and is set to join the Blues on a permanent €40m deal.
His contract at the Stadio Maradona expired in June 2023 and KK had rejected a contract extension offer from the Partenopei.
Napoli are in talks with Fenerbache for Kim Min-Jae, who Luciano Spalletti has described as a ‘Champions League level player.’
Koulibaly spent eight seasons at Napoli and former defender Paolo Cannavaro acknowledges that it will be ‘very difficult’ to replace him.
“Koulibaly could only be replaced by his clone. Whoever arrives, will have a tough task,” Cannavaro told La Gazzetta dello Spot newspaper.
“Kim is a good player, an option that convinces me, bearing in mind that there is only one Koulibaly.”
Cannavaro faced Kim twice during his playing career. The ex-Napoli defender was playing for Guangzhou while Kim was under contract with Guoan.
“Like most of his compatriots, he is physically strong, fast and reliable,” said Cannavaro.
“From what I remember, he must remain focused for the whole game because a defender can’t afford any error during games.
“I like Korean players because they work really hard, Kim is a solid centre-back, but I repeat, he should not have too much pressure and not because he is not able to handle it.
“Whoever comes could be compared to Koulibaly and this would affect anyone.”
Napoli are in talks with Fenerbache and although Kim has given his green light to join the Azzurri, Rennes are also interested and the Partenopei are trying to lower the defender’s price tag. Kim has a €20m clause included in his contract with Fenerbache.
