In Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which peaked with the Champions League victory, Lee Kang-in (24) is not secure in his position. Italy is a likely destination for him. SSC Napoli has once again expressed long-standing interest in Lee, and this time it has a high chance of becoming a reality.

'Football Italia' and 'Corriere dello Sport' reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Napoli is eyeing Lee, whose playing time has decreased at PSG. With PSG strengthening its squad through the acquisition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, it is considering Lee as a candidate for sale."

◆ Khvicha's acquisition pushes Lee out... "Practical matching trade possibility"

The key to PSG's achievement of the European treble (Ligue 1, domestic cup, Trophée des Champions, Champions League) this season was Khvicha, who was acquired for about €80 million (approximately 1.26 trillion won) in January. He quickly gained the trust of head coach Luis Enrique and secured a starting position, moving between the left and central positions. Conversely, Lee was pushed to the bench in the latter part of the season and for most of the Champions League tournament.

Lee appeared in 45 official matches for PSG, but started only 26, with just 4 starts in the Champions League. He notably did not get a chance to play in the final against Inter Milan (5-0 win), having to swallow his disappointment even while lifting the trophy.

According to reports, Napoli has made Lee its top target for the summer transfer market. Director General Giovanni Manna has been closely monitoring Lee on several occasions and has previously attempted to acquire him in the summer of 2024 and January 2025. At that time, PSG classified Lee as 'not for sale' and firmly rejected the offers, but the situation has changed.

PSG has placed a price tag of about €40 million (approximately 629 billion won) on Lee, and Napoli wants to negotiate this not as a lump sum but through a loan with a permanent transfer option or including bonuses. The positive cooperative relationship between the two clubs also increases the likelihood of the transfer happening.

Above all, what matters is Lee's own will. Although he played various positions (winger, central midfielder, attacking midfielder) at PSG last season, he did not establish himself as a solid starter. Being utilized as a rotation resource among world-class teammates, his thirst for opportunities has grown due to a lack of playing time.

◆ Under Conte, Napoli targets Lee as a key for midfield restructuring

With the imminent arrival of head coach Antonio Conte, Napoli has begun a major squad rebuilding process. One of the challenges is to reshape the midfield, and alongside Lee, Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan is mentioned as a strong acquisition target.

Conte prefers tactics that emphasize quick transitions, strong pressing, and immediate creativity, and Lee is evaluated as a card that can meet all these conditions. In particular, his ability to move between the left and right flanks, control the flow of play from the second line, and make quick decisions in tight spaces is considered a strength.

However, Lee's transfer is not yet confirmed. He is currently contracted with PSG until 2028, and the club is not in a position to force a transfer. Nevertheless, the player’s desire for playing time, Napoli’s courtship, and PSG's fluid squad management approach intertwine, leading to speculation that another transfer within Europe could become a reality through the summer transfer market.

Lee may have raised a trophy at PSG, but it was not his central stage last season. He now wishes for a stage where he can truly be the 'leading actor.' Napoli is ready to provide him with that stage.

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