Lee Kang-in (24), whose position is wavering at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been suggested to face a new turning point at Serie A powerhouse Napoli.

Reports have emerged that Antonio Conte, who made Son Heung-min (Tottenham) the top scorer, has identified Lee Kang-in as a key resource for his next project, making him a leading figure in this summer's transfer market.

Corriere dello Sport reported on the 9th (Korean time) that “Napoli wants to recruit Lee Kang-in as a versatile midfielder and utilize him as a core member next season,” adding that “he is a 2001-born playmaker with precise left-footed passes, a rare asset on the European stage.”

The background of Lee Kang-in being at the center of transfer rumors is his altered position at PSG. Under manager Luis Enrique, Lee has been systematically excluded from important matches. In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Liverpool last month, he was substituted in just before the match ended, effectively making it a symbolic appearance, and he subsequently missed the quarterfinals and semifinals.

Futsal7 noted that “Lee Kang-in is currently sidelined from PSG's core plans. Consequently, the possibility of a transfer has begun to be realistically discussed,” adding that “both Arsenal and Manchester United from the Premier League, as well as several clubs in the Saudi Arabian league, are keeping a close eye on his situation.”

Among them, Napoli is the most proactive club. Unable to fill the void left by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed for PSG last January, Napoli is focused on securing alternative resources. They deployed David Neres during the season, but he managed only 2 goals and 4 assists in 25 matches, falling short of expectations, and following January, he continued a goal drought, leading manager Conte to request direct reinforcement of wingers.

Lee Kang-in has emerged as a strong alternative. Primarily operating as an attacking midfielder, he can also fulfill the roles of a second striker and a winger.

Napoli Calcio stated, “Lee Kang-in is a player with the tactical flexibility preferred by manager Conte,” calling him “a playmaker who embodies both quick space penetration and precise passing.”

However, to finalize the transfer, realistic 'price negotiations' must be prioritized. PSG is demanding at least €40 million (63 billion won), while Napoli is reluctant to exceed €25 million (39.3 billion won). Calcio Napoli reported that “there is a significant gap in transfer fees between both sides, but if practical negotiations proceed, there’s sufficient room for compromise.” Napoli is pursuing not only Lee Kang-in but also Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City in their summer overhaul plans.

Lee Kang-in recently recorded his 6th assist in Ligue 1 during a match against Nantes, providing a clue for breaking out of his slump. However, that match was relatively low in significance, and he is still classified internally as a 'secondary' resource. Manager Enrique has utilized Lee only as a fifth option throughout the season, and the trend is unlikely to change in the remaining schedule.

PSG still leaves room to utilize Lee Kang-in in terms of its Asian marketing strategy. However, ongoing usage as a non-starter and issues of positional misfit have led to repeated tactical inefficiencies. Consequently, both the club and the player have arrived at a point where they have no choice but to consider 'new options.'

Napoli is a stage where creative midfielders have previously made their names. For Lee Kang-in, transferring to Napoli could represent more than just a move; it could be a turning point to regain his position on the European stage and revive his career. Attention is focused on what role Lee will take on in the new project led by manager Conte.

What remains now is negotiation and decision-making. The path of staying at PSG to endure his current position versus taking on a larger role at Napoli. Lee Kang-in's choice is likely to heat up the upcoming summer European transfer market.

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