“Crystal Palace is good, but there’s a real heart elsewhere” – The reason why Lee Kang-in should choose Napoli over Crystal Palace is clear.
French football journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin said on the 3rd (Korean time), "Napoli is still crazy about Lee Kang-in and wants to bring him in right away," noting, "The transfer fee for PSG is up to €30 million (about 45 billion won). Now, it’s up to Napoli to make the decision. The ball has now passed to Napoli."
Under the leadership of coach Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is expected to avoid major overhauls while aiming to keep key players even after winning the Champions League. However, Lee Kang-in, who wants a role beyond just a joker, is gradually losing his standing. Excluded from major matches under Enrique's regime, he desires a solid starting position ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
In this situation, Crystal Palace is making a strong pitch. According to local reports, the London club led by John Textor has expressed its intention to acquire Lee Kang-in for €30 million. The London coaching staff is already reported to have been greatly impressed by Lee Kang-in's versatility and creativity.
Nevertheless, Crystal Palace is using the promise of a guaranteed playing spot as a weapon in their bid. PSG is also solidifying its stance not to hold onto Lee Kang-in. With a lack of playing time becoming a reality for Lee Kang-in, the question now is which team will take action first.
And once again, the name Napoli is being mentioned. Napoli made three transfer proposals for Lee Kang-in over the past year but all were rejected by PSG. After being turned down by PSG and simultaneously acquiring Noah Lang, Napoli has added Jadon Sancho (Manchester United), Daan Nguyen (Bologna), and Federico Chiesa (Liverpool) to their list.
All of these players are resources that can be utilized on the flanks, and it seemed that Napoli was quickly embarking on a reorganization of its attacking line under coach Antonio Conte. In that process, Lee Kang-in's name was ultimately not mentioned. Once seen as a strong option, he has had no progress in negotiations and appears to have been completely excluded from Napoli's priorities.
However, the situation has changed once again. Napoli's evaluation of Lee Kang-in is distinct. Although Napoli acquired resources like Kevin De Bruyne and Noah Lang, the rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in's transfer had become relatively quiet. Yet, sources from France have directly stated that Napoli is still showing interest in Lee Kang-in.
Interest from European big clubs in Lee Kang-in is heating up once again. While Premier League's Crystal Palace is making an aggressive pitch for him, the true ‘love’ lies elsewhere. It is Napoli.
Crystal Palace is certainly an attractive team. The geographical advantage of London, the guarantee of certain playing time, and the proposals to make him a central figure are conditions that would be tempting for Lee Kang-in. However, Crystal Palace is merely a mediocre club in the Premier League. In contrast, Napoli is the league champion from last season and aims for strong results in the UEFA Champions League.
Napoli has attempted to sign Lee Kang-in three times over the past year and is still not willing to give up on him this summer. The essential difference is that they view Lee Kang-in not merely as a squad reinforcement but as the future of the team. The prestigious Italian club is intensifying its rebuilding efforts around coach Conte to continue the momentum from last season’s league victory.
Despite being close to acquiring De Bruyne and Noah Lang while also targeting other attackers like Daan Nguyen and Chiesa, the fact that Lee Kang-in’s name remains in consideration is significant. They see Lee Kang-in not as just an option, but as one of their Plan A targets.
Above all, Napoli is a club that understands the value of Korean players better than anyone, thanks to the success story of Kim Min-jae. Just as Kim Min-jae grew into one of the top center-backs in Europe at SSC Napoli, Lee Kang-in could evolve again through Napoli's systematic nurturing and the unique tactical depth of Serie A.
Under coach Conte, Lee Kang-in has the potential to grow not merely as a ‘joker’ but as a central tactical figure. In fact, Conte is known for nurturing star players as much as for his eccentric personality. Crystal Palace may be a realistic and stable choice. However, Lee Kang-in is no longer just a promising player.
Born in 2001, Lee Kang-in is now at an age where he must truly take risks ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For Lee Kang-in, who has experienced France, England, and Spain, the remaining piece of the puzzle is a strong team that will build around him. Therefore, Napoli could serve as a new turning point and springboard for Lee Kang-in.
Ultimately, Lee Kang-in’s choice is not just a transfer, but a decision about the direction of his career. If Crystal Palace can offer an ‘opportunity,’ Napoli can guarantee a ‘future.’ Considering Lee Kang-in's playing style, growth potential, and position within the team, Napoli is the team that comes closest to being the only right answer for him.
Although Lee Kang-in's time at PSG was not long, he gained ample experience and lessons. Now, he must open the true chapter of his career on a bigger stage alongside the team that sincerely wants him. Napoli is preparing that stage. And now, the ball is at Lee Kang-in's feet.
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