Manager José Mourinho wants 'genius' Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain).
A new option has emerged in the transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in. France's 'Foot01' reported that 'Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe contacted Lee Kang-in, who has an unstable position at PSG. The world-renowned manager José Mourinho is considering acquiring Lee Kang-in.'
Fenerbahçe is the Turkish team where Kim Min-jae excelled last season, 2021-2022. In June 2024, manager José Mourinho took charge and is leading the team. This season, Fenerbahçe is in second place in the Super Lig, closely trailing their rival Galatasaray by 5 points (80 points).
Manager Mourinho coached Son Heung-min during his time at Tottenham. Although Mourinho did not achieve success at Manchester United and Tottenham, it is an undeniable fact that he is one of the world's top managers. Notably, Mourinho was dismissed for unclear reasons just two days before the League Cup final during his Tottenham tenure, leaving a regretful impression.
Recently, Lee Kang-in's playing opportunities at PSG have drastically decreased. 'Foot01' added, 'Lee Kang-in has completely vanished from the field over the past few months. With three years remaining on his contract, he will look for a team where he can play as a starter in the next transfer window. Acquiring Lee Kang-in, who has played 36 matches for the Korean national team, presents a significant opportunity for manager Mourinho.'
If it's manager Mourinho, he can properly utilize Lee Kang-in tactically. Lee Kang-in might fit better with manager Mourinho than with manager Luis Enrique. In fact, Enrique has effectively classified Lee Kang-in as outside the team's plans.
The problem is that the Turkish league is a league where stars on the verge of retirement or at a crossroads before joining big leagues end up playing. Kim Min-jae transferred to Napoli after proving himself at Fenerbahçe. Son Heung-min's Tottenham teammate Dele Alli also left the Premier League due to declining form and played in Turkey. However,
It is doubtful whether Lee Kang-in, who has played in big leagues, will accept a move to Turkey. After progressing through the youth team in Valencia, Spain, Lee Kang-in excelled at Mallorca before joining the big club PSG. Although his opportunities have decreased this season, Lee Kang-in has proven his ability by scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. He has never transferred to a lower league in his career.
If Lee Kang-in sets his mind to it, he can move to another team in the Premier League. Currently, Lee Kang-in has garnered significant interest from Premier League teams such as Manchester United and Newcastle. There is no reason for Lee Kang-in to go to the Turkish league when he has bigger opportunities.
PSG is reportedly demanding a transfer fee of at least 20 million euros (approximately 32 billion won) for Lee Kang-in. If the amount is right, Lee Kang-in's transfer should not be difficult. However, whether it will be to Fenerbahçe, where the world-renowned manager Mourinho is, remains a question.
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