Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is increasingly likely to wear a Napoli uniform. Napoli, which has already acquired Kevin De Bruyne, is strongly pushing for Lee Kang-in as part of 'completing the midfield.'

Napoli announced on the 13th (Korea time) via official social media that it has signed Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City on a free transfer. De Bruyne is expected to play three seasons at Napoli on a 2+1 year contract, and the contract amount is reported to be around €26 million (approximately 40.7 billion won).

This is considered one of the most symbolic signings in the club's history. Additionally, Napoli is immediately targeting Lee Kang-in as the 'next puzzle.' The club, which has promised full support to coach Antonio Conte, is ramping up efforts to complete the acquisition of Lee Kang-in, whom they have been monitoring for a long time.

The transfer fee set by PSG for Lee Kang-in was €40 million (61.2 billion won). This is almost double the €22 million (34.2 billion won) paid two years ago when they acquired Lee Kang-in from Mallorca. Considering that the highest transfer fee Napoli used for acquisitions in the 2024-2025 season was €35 million (54.3 billion won), the conditions offered by PSG are quite high.

PSG believes it doesn't need to rush to dispose of Lee Kang-in, who has three years remaining on his contract. Although he is not a starter, PSG has no reason to suffer a loss by letting him go. Coach Luis Enrique has even used Lee Kang-in as a winger, central midfielder, and even as a false nine during the season.

There seemed to be a possibility early in the season, but his playing time drastically decreased from the middle of the league. After the Ligue 1 championship was secured, Lee Kang-in played the full match against Montpellier, but he has not been used in key matches such as the Coupe de France final or the UEFA Champions League final.

Lee Kang-in was included in the UEFA Champions League final roster but ultimately did not get a chance to play. For the majority of big matches towards the end of the season, he remained on the bench and was effectively classified as 'out of the rotation.' In a situation where his participation is unclear, finding a new team is becoming more of a necessity for Lee Kang-in.

In this situation, Napoli is consistently being mentioned as a strong candidate for Lee Kang-in's next destination. Napoli, led by Kim Min-jae (currently at Bayern Munich), is the team that facilitated the league championship and considered Lee Kang-in as an exchange option during the transfer negotiations for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. They highly value Lee Kang-in, who possesses technical proficiency and experience in European competitions.

Despite this, Napoli is still strongly hoping to acquire Lee Kang-in. Rather than turning to other players, they are doing everything possible to bring in Lee Kang-in. Napoli has shown persistent interest by probing for his acquisition as many as three times over the past year.

Moreover, the Italian media 'Spazio Napoli' exclusively reported that 'Napoli has reached a principled agreement with PSG regarding Lee Kang-in's transfer.' Initially, PSG demanded €40 million, but it is reported that they have softened their stance in response to Napoli's offer of €30 million to €35 million.

After the match against Kuwait, Lee Kang-in noted in a recent interview, 'I am aware of the articles. I will only know once the season is over.' Most importantly, what stands out is the possibility that Lee Kang-in could play alongside De Bruyne at Napoli. Although their playing styles differ, they could create synergy in 'orchestrating and creating the game in midfield.'

For Lee Kang-in, being with world-class leader De Bruyne could provide the best environment to enhance his competitiveness on the European stage. If De Bruyne concludes one era, Lee Kang-in could become a figure preparing for the next era.

Under the leadership of coach Conte, Napoli has successfully reclaimed the Italian throne in the 2024-25 season, signaling a 'resurgence.' The acquisition of De Bruyne was a beacon of that ambition, and Lee Kang-in is set to be the next centerpiece. Aurelio De Laurentiis, who promised significant investment to coach Conte, is personally pushing for the Lee Kang-in card, making his transfer this summer no longer just a 'rumor.'

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