Lee Kang-in leaves PSG, is about to return to La Liga for the first time in three years. "Atletico came all the way to Paris to negotiate... "Simeone took it"

*This content was translated by AI.

"Diego Simeone wants Lee Kang-in."

Spain's "Marca" reported on the 17th (Korea Standard Time) that "Atletico has stepped up to recruit Lee Kang-in."

"Atletico coach Diego Simeone stressed the need for Lee Kang-in, saying, "It's more quality than quantity," regarding the team's recruitment direction in the winter transfer market this morning," the media said.

"Atletico plans to reinforce two positions. It's the central midfielder and the side. The subject has already been determined. It's Lee Kang-in. He explained, "We have become the top candidate to replace Giacomo Raspadori."

The media said, "Lee Kang-in is Atletico's old goal. It is a name that has been mentioned every time the transfer market opened for many years," he said.

Atletico's heart for Lee Kang-in is the same as the "clap love" that has been going on for years. The most specific recruitment attempt came in 2023, when he was in Mallorca. In January of that year, he sent his first official offer in the winter transfer market, but it was canceled due to Majorca's opposition, and in the summer, he was the top recruitment priority under Simeone's approval. At that time, he was on the verge of a trade agreement, including cash and prospects, but negotiations eventually broke down because he could not narrow his disagreement with Mallorca, who wanted full cash for the transfer fee. Since then, Lee Kang-in has worn a PSG uniform.

"Atletico director Matteu Alemani, who has known Lee Kang-in well since Valencia, has moved in earnest to recruit him," the media said. "We visited Paris last Friday to try to recruit him in the form of a loan or a full transfer."

Director Alemani is a person who knows Lee Kang-in's talent better than anyone else. Attention is focusing on whether Alemani will recruit Lee Kang-in, who was missed three years ago due to transfer fees.

The media said, "In the past, Lee Kang-in's high ransom and PSG's passive negotiating attitude made it impossible to recruit him. However, the atmosphere has changed now, he said. "Considering that Lee Kang-in did not participate much, PSG's requirements have also been lowered."

Lee Kang-in is currently recovering from a thigh injury. Lee Kang-in, who was replaced by complaining of thigh pain in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup with Flamengo on the 18th of last month, missed the final match between Marseille and Trope de Champion (France Super Cup) on the 9th and the French Cup (Coup de France) on the 13th.

Lee Kang-in's injury departure is also too bad for the timing. It was classified as a non-main game at the beginning of the season, but it has recently increased its playing time and has become the mainstay of the team. In particular, he showed such a strong presence that he was involved in scoring in all four games held in November last year. Starting with the help against Bayern Munich, he also scored offensive points (1 goal and 2 assists) in three consecutive games.

However, Lee Kang-in's return seems to be around the corner. Lee Kang-in, who recently started personal training, is interested in whether he will return to the away game in Lance on the 18th.

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*This content was translated by AI.