Lee Kang-in (23, PSG) is finalizing his journey in Paris, and the possibility of a transfer to a new team is becoming more concrete. Napoli has reportedly resumed its pursuit of Lee.

Corriere dello Sport reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Lee Kang-in is gradually losing his position at Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli is once again pushing for his acquisition," adding that "PSG has placed Lee on the transfer negotiation table during the squad adjustment process."

PSG achieved the 'treble + α' by winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Super Cup, and the Champions League on the European stage for the 2024-2025 season. However, Lee has not been a key player. This season, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was brought in with an €80 million (126 billion won) investment in January, has quickly become the team's centerpiece, which has naturally reduced Lee's chances of playing.

Lee has started several times during the season, but he mostly remained on the bench in key competitions like the UEFA Champions League. Out of 45 official matches, he started 26 times, but he only played in 4 UCL matches, and although he was named in the squad for the final against Inter Milan, he ultimately did not get a chance to play.

While his versatility in various positions has been high, the reality is that he has not secured a solid starting position. PSG has offered him a contract extension, but Lee wants an environment that guarantees consistent playing opportunities.

In this context, Napoli's approach comes at a perfect time. The Napoli board, led by Director General Giovanni Manna, attempted to acquire Lee last summer and this winter. At that time, PSG considered Lee not for sale and firmly rejected negotiations, but now, with his reduced standing following Khvicha's arrival, the situation has changed completely.

PSG has set Lee's market value at around €40 million (629 billion won), and Napoli aims to negotiate a flexible structure that includes loan-to-permanent transfer or performance-based bonuses rather than a lump-sum payment. Given that the relationship between the two clubs is reportedly amicable, there is ample room for negotiations to gain momentum.

Above all, the most important factor is Lee's own choice. For Lee, who seeks a tactical environment where he can truly showcase his strengths in passing and creativity, Napoli is emerging as a suitable option. Recently, the contract extension of head coach Antonio Conte has been completed, and he emphasizes quick attacks, strong pressing, and decisive plays from the second line, which is evaluated to be highly compatible with Lee's style.

Napoli considers strengthening the midfield as a key task and has reported that they have pinpointed Lee as a central resource alongside Davide Frattesi of Inter Milan. This points to the fact that they are pushing to acquire him not merely as a backup but as a core part of their rebuilding efforts, which is an encouraging sign for Lee.

Currently, Lee Kang-in is under contract with PSG until 2028, so a transfer is not immediately confirmed. However, with the player’s own will, Napoli’s strong interest, and PSG’s flexible squad management approach intersecting, the likelihood of a transfer is gradually gaining strength.

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