Lee Kang-in (24, PSG) spoke about transfer rumors after the end of the World Cup qualifiers.
The South Korea national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, faced Kuwait in the 10th match of Group B in the final Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th and achieved a convincing 4-0 victory.
With this win, Korea secured 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws) and completed the final qualifiers without a loss.
Already, Korea confirmed its qualification for the World Cup for the 11th consecutive time by securing at least second place in the group with a 2-0 win over Iraq on the 6th, thanks to consecutive goals from Kim Jin-kyu and Oh Hyun-kyu, marking a record of 5 wins, 4 draws (19 points). This match ended in a 4-0 victory, turning it into a festive occasion for the team to celebrate its qualification with home fans.
Korea achieved an unbeaten record in the final qualifiers for the first time in 15 years since 2010. After unfortunately losing to the UAE in an away match on March 29, 2022, and failing to remain unbeaten in the final Asian qualifiers for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Korea successfully finished this time without a loss.
Korea took the lead in the first half with an own goal from Kuwait in the 30th minute, and Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyun-kyu scored in the 6th and 9th minutes of the second half, respectively, boosting the team's momentum. Following that, in the 27th minute of the second half, Lee Jae-sung, who was substituted in, scored the fourth goal, ensuring a perfect victory.
Lee Kang-in, who played a crucial role in the match, is now awaiting a decision that will greatly impact his European football career. He is likely to seek a new challenge after losing his starting position at PSG, with strong interest coming from Serie A champion Napoli and Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing.
Objectively, since transferring to PSG in the summer of 2023, Lee has played as a multi-role resource, moving between the flanks and center, recording 6 goals and 6 assists in 45 official matches. The team achieved a treble with victories in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League; however, Lee faced some competition for his starting spot in the second half of the season, but his potential has not diminished.
At this point, Napoli has identified Lee as a 'top target' for strengthening their creative midfield, after completing the acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, hoping to sign both him and Lee simultaneously to form a formidable midfield line. In fact, Italian media 'Spazio Napoli' reported that Napoli has reached a principled agreement with PSG regarding the acquisition of Lee.
The transfer fee has reportedly been adjusted from the initial demand of 40 million euros by PSG to between 30 million and 35 million euros.
After the match against Kuwait, Lee Kang-in, who was met in the mixed zone, said, 'I don't know what will happen from now on. The season isn't over yet, and the transfer market hasn't opened,' and added with his characteristic smile, 'There hasn't been any discussion with the club, and I'm also learning about the situation through articles.' He further remarked, 'I don't know where I'll be playing next season,' adding a meaningful smile.
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