Lee Kang-in (24, PSG) is on the verge of moving to Italy.
The Italian outlet Spazio Napoli reported on the 9th, "Napoli has reached a principled agreement with PSG regarding the acquisition of Lee Kang-in. Negotiations at the club level are progressing smoothly."
Another media outlet also supported Lee Kang-in's move to Napoli. The Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport noted on the 8th, "Lee Kang-in could swap positions with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. PSG is persistently requesting Lee Kang-in from Napoli."
Kvaratskhelia's arrival at PSG has shaken Lee Kang-in's position. Kvaratskhelia was integral to the championship that Kim Min-jae and he collaborated on during his time at Napoli. He transferred to PSG last January for a transfer fee of €80 million. Earning a starting position immediately at a big club, he played a crucial role in PSG's treble and was outstanding in the Champions League final.
Corriere dello Sport added, "Despite Lee Kang-in recording 6 goals and 6 assists last season, he fell to the bench after Kvaratskhelia's arrival. Napoli has formed a plan to bring Lee Kang-in to Napoli by taking advantage of this situation."
Currently, Lee Kang-in's market value is reported to be €40 million. It is said that PSG and Napoli could either loan Lee Kang-in or negotiate a reduction in his transfer fee.
However, issues remain. Spazio Napoli reported, "There is an issue with Lee Kang-in’s image rights. Lee Kang-in is a popular player, ranking first in jersey sales in Korea. Napoli must resolve this issue."
If Lee Kang-in does not wish to move to Napoli, the transfer will ultimately not be completed. The outlet noted, "In France, Lee Kang-in has not secured the playing time he desires. He scored 6 goals and his potential for growth is immense. His possibilities could explode at Napoli," expressing expectations for the transfer.
[OSEN]