*This content was translated by AI.
Tottenham Hotspur has sought to recruit Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC)'s national team teammate Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain). However, it was confirmed that it was canceled due to strong opposition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
"Tottenham approached PSG to recruit midfielder Lee Kang-in, who has won the UEFA Champions League (UCL), British media Spurs Web said on the 27th (Korea Standard Time), adding, "Tottenham was looking for versatile offensive resources that could play both the side and the center." In response, Lee Kang-in was selected as the right person," he reported.
Tottenham reportedly reinforced their midfield by signing Conor Gallagher and Vinicius Souza. On top of that, manager Thomas Frank wanted a player who would add creativity to the offense before the closing of the winter transfer window. Therefore, Tottenham reportedly sent a love call to Lee Kang-in.
But Tottenham's attempt went nowhere. Citing British "Team Talk," the media said, "PSG rejected Tottenham's offer, clearly drawing a line that Lee Kang-in was not a target for sale," adding, "PSG coach Luis Enrique still cares about Lee Kang-in despite his lack of playing time this season."
The January transfer is over, but there is still room. "Spurs Web" predicted, "Lee Kang-in can review the situation in the upcoming summer transfer market if he judges that his long-term future in France is uncertain," adding, "There is still a possibility that Tottenham will embrace Lee Kang-in in the summer, who has been interested since three years ago."
Lee Kang-in was a hot potato in the transfer market this winter. Not only Tottenham but also Atletico Madrid, a powerhouse in Spain's La Liga, were active in recruiting Lee Kang-in.
According to the French media 'Sport', PSG virtually declared no sale, setting a large amount of 40 million euros (about 68.2 billion won) to 50 million euros (about 85.2 billion won) for Lee Kang-in's transfer fee. Atletico's leaders reportedly withdrew the recruitment because they judged the amount to be too expensive.
The transfer fee was not the only obstacle to negotiations. Atletico preferred a full transfer format after loan, but PSG refused. Spanish media "Cadena Coffe" analyzed, "Lee Kang-in is practically difficult to recruit unless it is a rental form that includes a full transfer option," adding, "The two sides' positions have not narrowed even though Atletico's general manager Matteu Alemani visited Paris to speed up negotiations."
PSG and Enrique's will was strong. Coach Enrique has no plans to release Lee Kang-in this winter. Rather, the club intends to extend the contract period with Lee Kang-in until 2028. Le Parisien, a leading French newspaper, also said, "Lee Kang-in himself wants to remain in Paris. There is no sign of leaving the team," he said, adding that he will remain.
Lee Kang-in is not a firm starter under Enrique this season, but he made a strong impression by playing in 21 official games and taking responsibility for 550 minutes. In particular, he scored a fantastic wonder goal in the last UEFA Super Cup match against Tottenham to lead the team to victory.
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in suffered a thigh injury in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo on the 18th of last month and is concentrating on rehabilitation after missing the recent game.
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*This content was translated by AI.
