*This content was translated by AI.
Atletico Madrid has boldly stopped courting Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Lee Kang-in (25).
Spain's 'Cope' reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that "Atletico Madrid changed its top target in the transfer market this winter to Wolverhampton midfielder Joao Gomes, not Lee Kang-in."
According to the media, ATM is still longing to reinforce the midfield, but due to realistic conditions, Lee Kang-in was lowered from the top of the recruitment list and turned sharply toward Gomes.
The biggest obstacle was also the 'transfer fee'. PSG is sticking to at least 40 million euros to 50 million euros (about 60 billion won to 75 billion won) at Lee Kang-in's ransom. On the other hand, Atletico, which does not have enough financial conditions, cannot afford to pay this large amount of money right away.
The media said, "Atletico has no intention of unduly opening its wallet to recruit Lee Kang-in," adding, "We will only try to recruit him when 'very favorable conditions' are established for the club, such as a full transfer after lease."
In the end, as Atletico postponed Lee Kang-in to "Option B," the transfer in January seems to have become virtually difficult. The possibility that PSG will hand over Lee Kang-in, a key rotation resource, at a bargain price or send him on a simple lease is close to "0" in the current atmosphere.
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.
The biggest obstacle to the transfer is said to be PSG coach Luis Enrique. Spain's "Marca" recently said, "Coach Enrique, who cares about Lee Kang-in, does not want to send him out in the winter transfer market," but added, "Of course, we don't know how he will change his mind in the next summer transfer market."
An important variable was Lee Kang-in's own doctor, but Lee Kang-in is known to be satisfied with his life in Paris and his position in the team. However, Atletico was persuading Lee Kang-in by promising him a "certain lead role" and "sufficient time to play," and appealed that he could play a key role under Diego Simeone, but he seems to have failed to change Lee Kang-in's mind.
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in is currently recovering from a thigh injury. On the 18th of last month, he was replaced in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final with Flamengo, complaining of thigh pain. Since then, he has missed seven consecutive official games.
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.
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*This content was translated by AI.
