Having arrived from Mallorca during the summer transfer window in July 2023, Lee Kang-In, a 24-year-old South Korean midfielder/winger, is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until June 2028. He took some time to adapt and establish himself, but has finally grown in stature. This hasn’t stopped rumors of a departure. In recent days, there has been talk of interest from Atlético Madrid. Today, Marca reports that the player wants to join the Spanish club and will not extend his contract with PSG (despite earlier reports of a desire to do so from the Parisian side).
“Kang-in Lee and Atlético are convinced that, after several attempts, the time has finally come to reach an agreement.”
“For numerous reasons, both sporting and strategic, signing the South Korean has become the biggest objective of this transfer window.” And it’s not simply a question of money, but rather the conviction of both Kang-in Lee and Atlético that, finally, after several attempts, the time had come to reach an agreement.
The player’s desire is precisely one of the key factors driving the metropolitan club to pursue its long-time target. With one significant difference: Mateu Alemany, the man who transformed the South Korean into a professional footballer, is now at the helm.
Atlético’s sporting director is well aware that Kang-in Lee is eager for a change of scenery, that he has no intention of extending his contract with PSG, and that he understands the time has come to take the next step and feel more important on the pitch.
“The preferred solution would be a loan with an option to buy.”
Atlético is also aware that PSG won’t be swayed by money alone, and that its budget doesn’t allow for excessive spending. Therefore, the preferred solution would be a loan with an option to buy, which would allow the transfer to be completed without exceeding the salary cap currently imposed on the club.
As is so often the case, we urge the utmost caution. There is nothing concrete here, not the slightest confirmation. Not even regarding Atlético Madrid’s interest, however credible it may be. Even less so regarding Lee’s desire to leave. The idea of a refusal to extend his contract is primarily a response to other rumors of a possible extension.
The Spanish newspaper, like other Iberian media outlets, never seems to consider the fact that Lee had been developing at PSG before his injury and that he was getting significant playing time.
PSG would also have to accept a loan with an option to buy, which would be a major surprise. Their squad is far from deep, and such a departure wouldn’t bring much benefit to Paris. Let’s hope for concrete developments soon to clarify this situation. But a departure is still a long way off at this point.
