Lee Kang-in, once a massive transfer 'trade card,' sees Atletico Madrid transfer rumors resurface

*This content was translated by AI.

Spanish local forecasts suggest that Lee Kang-in (24), whose position has become limited at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), could be utilized as a trade card and transferred to Atletico Madrid (Spain).

On the 14th (Korean time), Spanish media AS reported, "PSG has made signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez its top priority." The report added, "While PSG has sufficient financial flexibility to sign Alvarez, Atletico Madrid also holds players of interest to them. One of those players is Lee Kang-in."

According to the report, PSG is pushing to sign Alvarez, who is also an Argentine national team player, but negotiations will be necessary as he is a key player for Atletico Madrid. According to Transfermarkt, Alvarez's market value is 90 million euros (approximately 157.3 billion won), and if negotiations reach the table, it could become a "massive transfer" involving a fee exceeding 100 million euros (approximately 174.8 billion won).

Atletico Madrid's basic plan is to restructure the team around Alvarez for the next season, but the situation could change if PSG offers a substantial transfer fee. Local reports indicate that PSG may also propose adding Lee Kang-in as a trade card alongside the transfer fee.

In terms of the proposed deal, both Atletico Madrid and PSG could achieve a so-called "win-win." Atletico Madrid has long worked to sign Lee Kang-in. If they secure Alvarez along with Lee Kang-in and a large transfer fee, they could further strengthen their squad. From PSG's perspective, including Lee Kang-in, who has a high likelihood of leaving this summer, could help reduce transfer fee expenditures. Lee Kang-in's Transfermarkt market value is 28 million euros (approximately 49 billion won).

AS stated, "Atletico Madrid's sporting director Mateu Alemany even visited Paris, France in January to pursue Lee Kang-in's transfer. However, at that time, PSG manager Luis Enrique did not approve the transfer, so it fell through." The report continued, "Lee Kang-in remains a player highly rated by director Alemany and is still considered a player with a high probability of leaving PSG this summer."

It further explained, "Although Lee Kang-in's contract with PSG runs until 2028, he was not a key player under manager Enrique this season. PSG appears to be pushing for Lee Kang-in's transfer. Lee Kang-in can play in various attacking positions, possesses strong penetration ability, and has scoring capability."

Not only Lee Kang-in but also PSG striker Goncalo Ramos is being raised as a potential trade card in a similar context. Ramos was also one of the players Atletico Madrid showed interest in. The media added, "Atletico Madrid wants to keep Alvarez and must consider the player's own transfer intentions. However, given PSG's serious interest in signing Alvarez and Atletico Madrid's interest in acquiring either Lee Kang-in or Ramos, expectations for a transfer this summer are growing."

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*This content was translated by AI.