No longer able to remain on the bench, Lee Kang-in (24, PSG) is increasingly likely to make a summer transfer. As his standing in the French league has diminished, Italian giant Napoli has now personally sent a love call. Furthermore, local reports have emerged stating that the Director General of the club has 'been moved by his heart,' adding to the excitement.
Arena Napoli reported on the 30th (Korea time) that 'Napoli's Director General, Cristiano Giovanni Mann, was deeply impressed by Lee Kang-in's skills. He evaluates Lee's play as possessing 'very special qualities,' suggesting concrete acquisition efforts are underway.
Lee Kang-in's scenario of escaping PSG is no longer speculation. Initially trusted by head coach Luis Enrique, he received opportunities in various positions at the start of the season, but as time passed, his role diminished. Without a definite position, he was unable to establish himself amidst ongoing rotation and effectively became a bench player past the mid-season.
His most recent appearance was on May 11th against Montpellier. Although he played the full match at that time, he was completely excluded from important games, including the cup final thereafter. This indicates that PSG no longer values Lee's utility highly.
Matteo Moreto of Relevo asserted, 'Lee Kang-in and PSG are currently in a state of suspended discussions regarding a new contract, and Lee is fully prepared to enter the summer transfer market.'
Consequently, European clubs monitoring Lee Kang-in are continuing their behind-the-scenes contacts. Among them, the most active is defending Serie A champion Napoli. Italian daily Il Matino reported that 'Napoli is considering Lee as their top priority among attacking midfield resources,' noting that 'internal strategy already requires boosting two wingers, making Lee a key asset.'
Notably, Napoli's Director General Mann has shown very specific and positive reactions regarding Lee Kang-in. Arena Napoli stated, 'Mann has been strongly impressed by Lee's linking ability, ball keeping, and space creation. He is being considered as a key player in reshaping Napoli's squad over the next 2 to 3 years.'
Interest in Lee Kang-in is not simply observational. According to local reports in Italy, Napoli has already set the transfer fee for Lee at around €30 million (47 billion won) and is attempting contact with PSG. This is within a financially manageable range for Napoli and, if the transfer occurs, it has been analyzed that it could significantly strengthen their attacking force.
If Lee Kang-in joins Napoli, he will become the second Korean player to be part of the team, following Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae became a symbolic figure, emerging as Serie A's best defender and leading the club to its first league title in 33 years in just one season wearing Napoli's jersey during the 2022-2023 season.
If Lee Kang-in's joining is realized, Napoli will once again turn its positive experience with Kim Min-jae into a Korean player acquisition. This could serve as an opportunity to showcase the status of Korean football once again on the European stage, and there is a high possibility it could become a new success story in Serie A.
However, since Lee Kang-in's contract with PSG is valid until 2028, his transfer can only be officially initiated if PSG expresses a willingness to sell. Local French sources note that as PSG is expected to undertake significant player restructuring in the summer transfer market, Lee is also included in the list of players to be sold, making the possibility of a transfer to Napoli not low.
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