"Putting Everything on Signing Lee Kang-in": Atmosphere Is Unsettling, Speculation of Return to Spain 'Reignites'

*This content was translated by AI.

The atmosphere is growing more concrete regarding a "love call" from Spanish club Atlético Madrid (AT Madrid) for Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain). Local Spanish reports indicate that AT Madrid will go all out not only to strengthen its squad for the next season but also for the sake of a Korean tour this summer. The club is determined to stake everything on acquiring Lee Kang-in.

On the 4th (Korean time), the Spanish outlet Marca highlighted that "Lee Kang-in is among the top priority targets for AT Madrid president Mateu Alemany this summer." The report added, "Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is aware of this, Lee Kang-in himself earnestly desires a move to AT Madrid, and AT Madrid has already begun taking action."

According to the report, the two clubs, whose negotiations over Lee Kang-in's transfer collapsed last winter, have agreed to reconvene at the negotiation table this summer after the season concludes. President Mateu Alemany has clearly expressed his intention to personally push for Lee Kang-in's acquisition once again. Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in has also conveyed his desire to "continue his career by moving to a team where he can take on a more important role" to PSG.

Now, even from PSG's perspective, it is no longer possible to simply reject Lee Kang-in's transfer. Marca added, "Even if PSG rejects AT Madrid's transfer offer, the club is willing to consider AT Madrid's proposal as a form of compensation for Lee Kang-in, who was not given many opportunities despite the rejection." Moreover, Lee Kang-in's contract with PSG runs until June 2028, leaving only two years remaining. This could be the last opportunity to expect significant transfer fee revenue.

Of course, PSG is unlikely to easily let go of Lee Kang-in, whose talent is recognized even in Europe. According to the transfer specialist site Transfermarkt, PSG invested a transfer fee of 22 million euros (approximately 39.3 billion won) to acquire Lee Kang-in in 2023. Lee Kang-in's current market value has risen to 28 million euros (approximately 50 billion won), and if actual negotiations between the clubs take place, it is highly likely that the final fee will significantly exceed this amount.

Nevertheless, the media explains that AT Madrid will not miss the "right timing" to acquire Lee Kang-in. Marca stated, "AT Madrid is well aware that acquiring Lee Kang-in will incur enormous costs, yet the club is showing a firm determination to stake everything on his acquisition." The report emphasized, "This is due not only to his undeniable ability to play a decisive role as both a winger and an attacking midfielder, but also to the strategic importance his acquisition would bring."

The media continued, "Lee Kang-in is becoming a true icon not only in his home country but also in the Asian market, attracting attention from major brands." It added, "Furthermore, AT Madrid is planning a Korean tour this August. If they acquire Lee Kang-in before then, they can generate enthusiastic reactions in Korea. Of course, this is merely a bonus. AT Madrid's greatest wish is to acquire Lee Kang-in, even if the timing is delayed."

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*This content was translated by AI.