Lee Kang-in's transfer to Napoli appears unlikely as PSG values him highly

Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) is seeing his chances of moving to Napoli rapidly decrease. There is interest, but it does not seem to be progressing to actual negotiations.

The Italian media outlet ‘Tutto Napoli’ reported on the 23rd (Korea time) that ‘Lee Kang-in is one of several players that Napoli is monitoring, but it is currently just a situation of interest.’

Lee Kang-in experienced victories in Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) with PSG in the 2024-2025 season. The team achieved a quadruple, but his position has gradually narrowed.

Lee Kang-in drew expectations with impressive performances in the early part of the season. He played as a multi-resource player, alternating between the flanks and the center, and had relatively stable playing time. However, as time passed, competition within the team intensified, and he found himself frequently on the bench.

Matteo Moreto, a reporter from ‘Relevo,’ appeared on a YouTube broadcast conducted by transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, noting that 'PSG does not need to rush to sell Lee Kang-in' and 'the club classifies Lee Kang-in as an important player. The possibility of Napoli acquiring Lee Kang-in is low for now.'

Lee Kang-in is under contract with PSG until 2028.

Currently, Lee Kang-in is staying in the United States with the squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He did not receive playing opportunities in the final match of the group stage. The team secured a spot in the round of 16.

Lee Kang-in was included in the substitute list for the 3rd match in Group B against Seattle Sounders, held at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle, U.S., on the 24th at 4 a.m., but did not play. PSG won 2-0, advancing to the round of 16 as the group leader.

Lee Kang-in, who had come off the bench in the second halves of the previous two matches, remained on the bench in the final match. He had even scored a penalty kick goal in the additional time of the first match. His sharpness was evident.

On that day, PSG defeated Seattle with a first-half goal from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 35th minute and an additional goal from Achraf Hakimi in the 66th minute.

PSG dominated the match but also showed moments of lost concentration. In the 19th minute of the first half, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma faced a scoring threat after losing the ball under pressure. However, they did not concede a goal.

In Group B of the group stage, three teams all recorded two wins and one loss, resulting in a tie. PSG claimed the top spot in the group based on goal difference. Botafogo ranked second, advancing to the round of 16.

Atletico Madrid defeated Botafogo 1-0 on the same day but was eliminated due to goal difference.

Seattle, in last place, was eliminated from the group stage with three losses.

PSG crushed Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their first match of the tournament. However, they lost 0-1 to Botafogo in the second match. Knowing a victory was essential in the match against Seattle, manager Enrique fielded young attackers such as Senni Mayulu and Desire Due, ultimately securing the win.

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