Napoli president de Laurentiis admits details on deal for star player were much lower than reported

In a surprising revelation that has caught the attention of the football world, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has shed light on the actual transfer fee for Kim Min-jae's move to Bayern Munich, a figure significantly lower than previously reported by various media outlets. 

According to De Laurentiis, the transfer of the South Korean defender, widely regarded as the best center-back in Serie A and among the top globally at the time, was sealed for a mere forty-two million euros (€42m), contrary to the speculated fifty-seven million euros (€57m).

This disclosure came directly from a quote by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, where De Laurentiis was reportedly said, "The real fee we received from Bayern for Kim Min-jae is €42m, not €57m as reported on some media. We knew that he was going to leave the club last summer, it was clear." 

This confirmation from the Napoli president not only clarifies the actual cost involved in the transfer but also highlights the discrepancy between reported figures and the reality of football transfer dealings.

Kim Min-jae, 27, has been absent from the pitch in recent weeks, following South Korea's exit from the Asian Cup at the hands of Jordan in the semi-finals. His absence was due to a suspension from yellow card accumulation. With no third-place playoff in the Asia Cup, Kim is expected to return to Munich this week, potentially in time for Bayern's crucial match against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

This revelation from Aurelio De Laurentiis not only clarifies the financial aspects of Kim Min-jae's transfer but also sheds light on the often opaque and speculative nature of football transfer reporting. As fans and observers digest this news, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and negotiations hidden behind the headlines of the footballing world's high-profile moves.