“He’s a great player” – South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae reveals admiration for Super Eagles forward

One of the new arrivals at the Diego Maradona Stadium cannot wait to take to the pitch with the Nigeria international as his teammate

New Napoli signing Kim Min-Jae has confessed that he holds Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in high esteem.

Osimhen and Kim Min-Jae recently became teammates after the South Korea international completed his €18.05 million switch from Fenerbahce.

According to the Turkish giants, the 25-year-old signed a contract with the Serie A club until 2025, including an option for two further years.

Kim Min-Jae, who made 39 appearances for Fener in the 2021/22 season, scoring one goal, is expected to be a direct replacement for Osimhen’s pal Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international defender earlier left for Chelsea in a stunning €38 million move.

Having just moved from Asia to Europe last year, Kim Min-Jae does not look fazed by the prospect of playing for a traditional and passionately-supported club like Napoli.

The centre-back will also get to train regularly with one of the finest young strikers in the world, Victor Osimhen.

Min-Jae maintains that squaring up against Osimhen will only make him a defender.

When asked at a press conference how important it is to train alongside Osimhen, Kim Min-Jae responded, “It is a great experience to grow; it makes me committed.

“He (Osimhen) is a great player that I respect a lot, and I am very positive for these challenges.”

What is next for Osimhen?

With the departure of captain Lorenzo Insigne and Belgian striker Dries Mertens, Osimhen will be the centre-focus of Napoli’s attack next season.

Despite missing several games due to injury and illness last term, the 23-year-old still managed 18 goals in all competitions for the Neapolitans.

There is, however, the possibility that the Nigerian forward can leave Napoli before the end of the transfer season. Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United – clubs that have shown interest in Osimhen recently – are yet to resolve their striking problems.