As interest from major European clubs in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Lee Kang-in (24) grows, Serie A club Napoli appears to be ramping up its efforts in the transfer race.
French journalist Collect Gaudin reported on Dec. 3 (Korea time) through his social media account that "Napoli has shown consistent strong interest in Lee Kang-in. They want to speed up negotiations. PSG is asking for at least €30 million (about 48.2 billion won). The decision now rests with Napoli."
Lee Kang-in transferred from Mallorca to PSG ahead of the 2023-2024 season. At that time, PSG invested €22 million (about 35.3 billion won). The current transfer fee is €8 million higher than that time.
According to Italian media outlet Football Italia, Napoli views Lee Kang-in as a replacement for Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, who transferred to PSG last January. Napoli won the Serie A title after filling the void left by him, but is focused on strengthening its attacking options for the next season.
Lee Kang-in has played various positions at PSG. In his first season, he served as a right winger, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and false 9, recording 5 goals and 5 assists in 36 official matches. His performance has exceeded expectations.
However, he struggled for a starting position in the 2024-2025 season. Competing with Desiree Due, Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and João Neves, he often missed out on starting opportunities. He scored 6 goals and provided 6 assists in 45 official matches, with only 25 starts. Regardless of Lee Kang-in's performance, PSG achieved a treble, claiming the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League titles for a stellar season.
In this context, last month, French media outlet L'Equipe reported that "Lee Kang-in has not been included in PSG's plans for next season. He has been authorized to find a new team in the summer transfer market."
As a result, Lee Kang-in's future has become a hot issue in the summer transfer market. If Napoli accepts PSG's asking price of €30 million, negotiations could gain momentum. However, if attempts to lower the amount continue, PSG may withdraw from negotiations. Matteo Moretto, a journalist for Relevo, appeared on Fabrizio Romano's YouTube show and said, "PSG does not have an urgent plan to sell Lee Kang-in. There is still plenty of time left on his contract until 2028. The club still regards him as an important player."
As time passes, Napoli finds itself in a disadvantageous position. This is because the number of clubs wanting Lee Kang-in is increasing. French media outlet Sport reported on Dec. 1 that "English Premier League club Crystal Palace is showing interest in Lee Kang-in and is demonstrating real transfer movements."
Palace is reportedly willing to pay the €30 million transfer fee. Journalist Sebastián Vidal reported that "Crystal Palace, led by owner John Textor, is proactive in pursuing Lee Kang-in."
In addition to Palace, clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Atletico Madrid are also showing interest in signing Lee Kang-in.
[Photo] Lee Kang-in, PSG, UEFA, Ligue 1 social media.
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