A new challenge has literally remained.

Italian 'Football Italia' and 'Corriere dello Sport' reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Napoli is targeting Lee Kang-in, who has had reduced playing time at PSG. Since PSG has strengthened its squad by acquiring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, they are considering Lee Kang-in as a candidate for sale."

This season, the key to PSG's European treble (Ligue 1, domestic cup, Trophee des Champions, Champions League) achievement was Khvicha, who was acquired in January for about €80 million (about 1.26 trillion won). He quickly gained the trust of coach Luis Enrique, securing a starting position that alternated between the left side and the center. In contrast, Lee Kang-in has been relegated to the bench for most of the season's final stretch and the Champions League tournament.

Although he appeared in 45 official matches for PSG, he started only 26 of them, and in the Champions League, he started in just 4 matches. He particularly did not get any playing time in the final match against Inter Milan (5-0 win), so despite lifting the trophy, he had to swallow his disappointment. Now, he is in a situation where he must leave for a new chapter in his football life.

PSG hoped for a contract renewal with Lee Kang-in, but the player himself wants playing time. Consequently, several clubs are approaching Lee Kang-in, with Napoli being the most active. According to reports, Napoli has made Lee Kang-in their top transfer target for the summer transfer market.

Director General Giovanni Manna has closely observed Lee Kang-in on several occasions and has previously attempted to acquire him twice, in the summer of 2024 and January 2025. At that time, PSG firmly rejected the offers, classifying Lee Kang-in as 'not for sale,' but the situation has changed. PSG has attached a price tag of about €40 million (about 629 billion won) to Lee Kang-in, and Napoli wishes to negotiate this either through an option for loan plus permanent transfer or with bonuses included. The positive cooperative relationship between the two clubs also increases the likelihood of a successful transfer.

Above all, what is important is Lee Kang-in's own will. Last season, he filled various positions at PSG (winger, central midfielder, attacking midfielder), but he could not secure a firm starting position. Among teammates classified as world-class, he was utilized as a rotation resource, leading to a greater thirst for opportunities due to the lack of them.

Meanwhile, after extending his contract with coach Antonio Conte, Napoli has begun a massive squad rebuilding effort. While having secured the championship, Napoli desires more players and faces the task of newly structuring the midfield, with Lee Kang-in and Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi being seen as strong transfer targets.

Conte prefers a tactical approach that emphasizes fast offensive transitions, strong pressing, and instant creativity, and Lee Kang-in is regarded as a card that can meet all these conditions. Particularly, the ability to navigate between the left and right sides while coordinating the game flow from the second line and making quick decisions in tight spaces is noted as his strength.

However, Lee Kang-in's transfer has not yet been confirmed. He is currently contracted with PSG until 2028, and the club is not in a position to force a transfer. However, the player's desire for playing time, Napoli's courting, and PSG's flexible squad management approach are aligning, leading to expectations that another transfer within Europe may become a reality through this summer's transfer market.

Though he lifted trophies at PSG, last season was not his main stage. Attention is drawn to whether Lee Kang-in can agree to Napoli's plan to make him a star and open a new career through this transfer.

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