Lee Kang-in, 22, of Mallorca, is narrowing in on French starlet Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as his next destination.
Multiple Spanish and French media outlets simultaneously reported Lee’s possible move to PSG on Nov. 13 (KST). After reports that talks with Atletico Madrid broke down a day earlier, PSG has emerged as a possible destination. Spain’s ‘Relevo’ previously reported, “Lee Kang-in has received offers from other European clubs outside of Spain, including the Premier League. Negotiations have progressed in recent days. We are close to an agreement.” France’s Foot Mercato confirmed that PSG is the team that is closest to Lee Kang-in.
“Negotiations are going well between Mallorca and PSG for South Korea international Lee Kang-in. The player has already agreed to move to PSG,” said a source. They even mentioned a specific transfer fee. “According to our information, PSG have offered €15 million (approximately $20.6 billion) for Lee Kang-in. It is expected to be accepted by the Mallorca management. Atletico’s offer was only €12 million, so PSG will win the transfer battle.”
According to local reports, PSG have been “following” Lee’s situation for months. “PSG president Luis Campos is a fan of Lee,” according to Marca. It is believed to have obtained “play data” on Lee, who reached a “career high” with six goals and six assists in the Spanish Primera Liga in the 2022-2023 season, and “information” that Mallorca would be willing to sell Lee for less than his reported buyout clause of 25 million euros ($34.4 million).
With Atletico looking to include a youngster in the deal, it appears that the deep-pocketed PSG have gained the upper hand in negotiations by putting a “large amount of cash” on the table. “Mallorca’s asking price is €22 million,” according to Marca, while the highly respected French outlet RMC Sport reported that “PSG are close to signing Lee with a €22 million offer, promising him a first-team spot and luring him with the Champions League”. The €22 million is the highest transfer fee in Mallorca’s history.
Local reports suggest that Lee will replace Lionel Messi, who is leaving PSG at the end of the season. Messi himself announced his intention to join Inter Miami in the United States after his PSG contract expires. Star player Kylian Mbappe, who leads the team’s attack alongside Messi, reportedly turned down a renewal offer and informed the club of his intention to leave next year. Neymar is being courted by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. With all of their star players on the verge of departure, Neymar is on the radar of PSG, who are in the midst of a squad overhaul.메이저사이트
“He can play as an attacking midfielder, a forward, a flanker, and a number 10 (playmaker),” said Foot Mercato. He is a very technically gifted left-footed player. He is particularly good between the lines and is a threat to opponents with his creativity and vision. He could be a great addition to the PSG offense.” Despite the transfer speculation in Europe, Lee has remained calm and is preparing for the national team’s upcoming matches against Peru on Sept. 16 and El Salvador on Sept. 20.