Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) has been linked to the Premier League team. However, Paris Saint-Germain has no intention of selling Lee to other teams. The same is true for Team Korea and Coach Luiz Enrique. To take Lee Kang-in, he had to pay twice the transfer fee.
Lee Kang-in, who left Mallorca to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, is quickly adapting to the team and playing well. In particular, this season (2024-25) is considered a "career high" season in his career. He proved his versatility by playing the role of right winger, center midfielder, and even Fake No. 9.
Lee Kang-in scored six goals and two assists in 16 league games this season, winning the "Player of the Month" and "Goal of the Month" in August and November selected by Paris Saint-Germain fans. In addition, he ranked third in the league (7.66 points) in the first half of the French Ligue 1 rating, becoming a key player in the team along with João Neves and Usman Dembele.
After the new year dawned, he played actively as a substitute in the 2024 Trope de Champaign (French Super Cup) held in Qatar. Paris Saint-Germain won 4-2 against AS Monaco, and Lee Kang-in lifted his fourth career trophy. 토토사이트
As the winter transfer market opened, rumors of Lee Kang-in's transfer were circulating. Global sports media "The Athletic" announced on the 8th (Korea time) that "Lee Kang-in is constantly playing under coach Luis Enrique, but he is considering a new challenge."
There are teams aiming for Lee Kang-in. Italian media "Tuto Mercato Web" reported that "Manchester United and Newcastle are moving to recruit Lee Kang-in." The prestigious Premier League clubs were fascinated by Lee Kang-in's versatile positioning ability and his growth potential at Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester United is a team that has been linked to Korea in the past due to Park Ji-sung, and Newcastle is a club that can mobilize huge funds with the support of the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund (PIF). Arsenal reportedly sent a scout showing interest in Lee Kang-in.
However, "The Athletic" hinted that Arsenal are ready to start negotiations only if Paris Saint-Germain approves a lease that includes a purchase option. The transfer fee set by Paris Saint-Germain is burdensome. They say that they need at least an offer of 66 billion won to discuss the transfer of Lee Kang-in with Paris Saint-Germain. They want double the 22 million euros they invested in Mallorca.
Paris Saint-Germain considers Lee Kang-in as an important asset not only in the stadium but also in its commercial value and future potential. "Paris Saint-Germain does not want to sell Lee Kang-in. We will need at least 50 million euros (about 75.2 billion won) to discuss his transfer," said Loic Tanzi, a reporter for L'Equipe, a leading French newspaper.
Luis Enrique, the coach of Paris Saint-Germain, also gave a compliment to Lee Kang-in. "Lee Kang-in is a player with outstanding adaptability who can play various positions. I have watched his progress since joining Paris Saint-Germain and have evaluated him as an important asset for the team," he said in an official press conference.
Lee Kang-in is also loved by Paris Saint-Germain fans. Despite the controversy over his skills and personality in France, he has steadily demonstrated his skills on the field and gained the trust of his fans. As he plays an important role in Paris Saint-Germain, his chances of staying are even higher.
EPL big clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal have to pay huge transfer fees to recruit Lee Kang-in. With Paris Saint-Germain estimating Lee Kang-in's ransom at more than 66 billion won, no matter how much the Premier League team is concerned.
Newcastle and Manchester United are likely to pursue negotiations with Lee Kang-in, but a realistic deal is unlikely unless Paris Saint-Germain approves a lease that includes a purchase option. Arsenal also has no choice but to take a cautious approach depending on the financial burden and Paris Saint-Germain's strong position.