Lee Kang-in attracts interest from Manchester United as potential successor to Park Ji-sung

Can Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) follow in the footsteps of 'Korean football legend' Park Ji-sung? Manchester United, who met with his agent, is looking for creative attacking resources.

Spanish outlet 'El Desmarque' reported on the 1st (Korea time) that "Javi Garrido and Lee Kang-in's agent Javier Garrido held talks with several Premier League (PL) clubs in England two weeks ago. These teams showed interest in Garrido's player list. Garrido is one of the important players on that list, but he is not the only one."

Immediately, Lee Kang-in's name was mentioned. The media explained, "So far, it has been simply a stage of interest and information exchange. However, discussions regarding Lee Kang-in, who was formerly with Valencia, were also brought up. He is currently with PSG but has been desired by many clubs in the past."

This means that Lee Kang-in is still attracting interest from PL teams. Midway through last month, Matteo Moreto of the Spanish outlet 'Relevo' also conveyed the same information. At the time, he reported, "Garrido has watched many matches in England this week. He met with several PL clubs, including Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton. We will have to see if this trip leads to discussions about the summer transfer window in the coming months."

Additionally, Moreto explained, "Garrido represents Lee Kang-in, Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Javi Garrido (Valencia), Inaki Pena (Barcelona), and Jesus Fortea (Real Madrid)."

Rumors about Lee Kang-in's potential transfer to the PL have been consistently circulating since the early winter transfer market. Early in January, Moreto reported, "Arsenal really likes Lee Kang-in. So far, there have been no official talks. Nevertheless, Lee Kang-in fits the profile of an Arsenal player. Manchester United and Newcastle are also keeping an eye on his situation."

Moreto is considered one of the most authoritative journalists in Spain. In particular, he has shown affection for Lee Kang-in while covering Mallorca. During the 2022-2023 season, he quickly reported on transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in, garnering much attention.

This is why many Korean fans are paying attention to Garrido's trip to England. There are very few players that he manages who are gaining more recognition in Europe than Lee Kang-in. Among the big PL clubs, Lee Kang-in is the most likely player that they desire.

If Lee Kang-in wears a Manchester United jersey, he will be the first Korean player to play for Manchester United since 'legend' Park Ji-sung. He will also join the ranks of the 20th 'Korean Re' to join a PL club. Most recently, Yoon Do-young signed with Brighton & Hove Albion last month. He is expected to join Brighton in the upcoming summer transfer market.

It is known that not only Manchester United but also Newcastle United has been interested in Lee Kang-in for some time. The reputable 'The Athletic' reported last winter that Arsenal was monitoring Lee Kang-in. Additionally, Tottenham with Son Heung-min and the 'team on the rise' Nottingham, currently ranked 3rd in the PL, were mentioned.

However, instead of starting a new challenge, Lee Kang-in stayed with PSG. According to reports from 'L'Equipe' and The Athletic, PSG has received several inquiries about Lee Kang-in, but they have rejected them as they highly value him both on and off the pitch.

At that time, L'Equipe explained, "PSG has received several inquiries about Lee Kang-in. However, for now, they have no intention of parting with a player who has played 24 matches across all competitions since August, starting in 14 of them."

It is particularly known that coach Luis Enrique likes Lee Kang-in. In fact, he has mentioned, "Lee Kang-in has been on an upward trajectory since I came to PSG. He has good records and can play in various positions such as striker, winger, and false 9." He also stated, "I like Lee Kang-in. He has an excellent attitude, and there is no denying his performance."

However, unfortunately, the atmosphere changed drastically following the winter transfer market. After Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joined, Lee Kang-in was pushed down to the bench. Ousmane Dembélé has been performing exceptionally and has been selected as the new striker, and Desiree Due and Bradley Barcola have also gained the trust of coach Enrique.

As a result, Lee Kang-in became a rotational player, unable to secure a starting position as either a central midfielder or winger. In France, there are constant discussions that PSG will sell him during the upcoming summer.

Earlier, French outlet 'Foot 01' reported, "Lee Kang-in and PSG are parting ways! Lee Kang-in is likely to spend his last few weeks at PSG as the club has decided to part ways with him this summer."

French outlet 'Sport' also asserted, "Lee Kang-in was acquired to solidify his position in the PSG midfield, but he never became an essential player. The PSG board is considering selling Lee Kang-in to make room for new reinforcements. It is still unclear whether they will choose to loan him or sell him to revive his career, as he has not found a proper role in Paris."

In the event that PL clubs approach again with the changed situation for Lee Kang-in, PSG could be open to negotiations. According to The Athletic, PSG wants at least 44 million euros (around 70.8 billion won) for Lee Kang-in. This is double the 22 million euros (around 35.4 billion won) they paid for him when acquiring him from Mallorca in 2023.

For financially strong Manchester United, the amount is not overly burdensome. According to Italian outlet 'Tutto Mercato', Manchester United already contacted PSG regarding the acquisition of Lee Kang-in last winter. The estimated value at that time was around 40 million euros (approximately 64.3 billion won).

Coincidentally, there have also been reports that Manchester United is looking for creative attacking resources. According to British outlet 'Give Me Sport', Manchester United has set sights on five targets, including two 'blockbuster' signings. They are looking to reinforce their central midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte, and add a creative attacker and a defender.

Lee Kang-in is a player who can deliver creative passes while moving back and forth between the flank and central positions. In Ruben Amorim's three-back tactics, he can operate just below the striker or take responsibility on the flanks. Give Me Sport previously stated, "Old Trafford needs a new attacker. Manchester United may only have Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes as their threats. Acquiring Lee Kang-in may be what is needed in the final third."

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