Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) faces an unexpected obstacle in his European career. As his transfer to Napoli encounters a crisis, French media have raised the shocking scenario that PSG may use Lee Kang-in as a 'trade card' to bring in an 18-year-old prospect.

Italy's Corriere dello Sport reported on the 17th (Korean time) that, "Napoli is unable to accelerate its efforts to acquire Lee Kang-in. This is because the transfer situation of key midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has suddenly changed."

Initially, Anguissa's transfer to Saudi Arabia was seen as likely. Napoli planned to use that transfer fee to bring in Lee Kang-in. However, Anguissa's sudden announcement of his intention to stay has caused cracks in the overall plan.

Just a few days ago, Lee Kang-in's transfer to Napoli was considered a strong possibility. Several Italian media reported that Napoli had finished contacting Lee Kang-in's agent and that only negotiations over the transfer fee with PSG were remaining. However, Anguissa's change in attitude has pushed Lee Kang-in's acquisition efforts down the priority list.

Tuttosport and Napoli Calcio News both reported, "Due to the possibility of Anguissa's stay, Napoli is slowing its negotiations with PSG forward Lee Kang-in."

The problem does not end here. Sport France reported on the 18th, "PSG may use Lee Kang-in as a negotiation card to acquire Portuguese prospect Rodrigo Mora (18, Porto)."

Mora is a rising star who plays as both a winger and attacking midfielder, recently making a name for himself in Porto's first team and the national team. He is a promising player who will participate in the 2025 Club World Cup and is gaining attention across Europe.

Luis Campos, the Director General of PSG, is reported to be deeply impressed by Mora's talent and aims to negotiate favorably for a transaction that is expected to involve a hefty transfer fee using a 'player plus cash' strategy.

Mora is under a long-term contract with Porto until 2030, and his market value is estimated at €40.3 million (63.5 billion won). This is why PSG is reportedly considering a plan that includes one of either Lee Kang-in, Carlos Soler, or Marco Asensio based on a benchmark of €50 million (78.8 billion won).

This indicates Lee Kang-in's current status within PSG. Until the start of the season, he was utilized under manager Luis Enrique, but his position has been severely shaken due to competition with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé in the latter half of the season.

Foot Mercato reported that "PSG does not consider Lee Kang-in a key player for the upcoming season, and Lee Kang-in may seek a new team."

Even if Lee Kang-in remains at PSG, his chances of securing playing time next season are slim. This is far from an ideal situation for Lee Kang-in, who is still in the early stages of his career.

Currently, with the transfer to Napoli blocked, he is in a position where he actively needs to seek a new team. Previously, Matteo Moreto from Spain's Relevo reported that, "Teams showing interest in Lee Kang-in include those from England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to Napoli."

The variable is the transfer fee. PSG is overvaluing Lee Kang-in's market value in line with the qualifications of a European champion. However, the report in France that they may use Lee Kang-in as a 'negotiation card for acquiring a prodigy' indirectly reveals that he is not a priority within the club.

From Lee Kang-in’s perspective, having the exit door to Napoli closed, and being mentioned in the humiliating position of being a trade card, he is facing a dual hardship.

[OSEN]