Lee Kang-in, from 'PSG's sore spot' to 'golden goose ATM'... "Transfer fee originally set at 50.1 billion won, now adjusted to 44.8 billion won" — club agreement imminent

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in's (25) transfer to Atletico Madrid is gaining momentum. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has also accepted the player's desire to leave and is expected to finalize negotiations at around 25 million euros (44.8 billion won).

Spain's 'Marca' reported on the 5th (Korean time) that "Atletico is close to securing Lee Kang-in, whom they have long sought," adding that "a positive atmosphere has formed for both clubs to agree on a transfer fee around 25 million euros."

During the January winter transfer window, PSG strongly opposed Lee Kang-in's departure. However, the media stated that "the situation has completely reversed."

The media cited three reasons for PSG's active involvement in negotiations: "First, Lee Kang-in, who has been pushed out of the starting lineup, strongly desires a transfer. After playing 12 minutes in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 against Liverpool, he has not stepped onto the pitch for a single minute."

It continued, "Second, Lee Kang-in has directly requested club executives to consider offers from other clubs. Third, coach Luis Enrique does not wish to force players who are dissatisfied with the team to remain."

PSG reached the summit of the 2025–2026 UCL season, achieving back-to-back titles, but Lee Kang-in failed to appear in the final match for two consecutive years. This season, Lee Kang-in contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in 27 Ligue 1 matches, performing reliably as a rotation player, yet in the UCL, he was exclusively used as a substitute in all 10 appearances and was completely excluded from the starting lineup.

Lee Kang-in's contract with PSG runs until 2028. PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi is also reported to have no intention of selling Lee Kang-in at a bargain price. PSG acquired Lee Kang-in from Mallorca in 2023 for 22 million euros (approximately 39.4 billion won).

Lee Kang-in's current market value has risen to around 28 million euros (approximately 50.1 billion won). The media predicted that "due to the amicable relationship between Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Chairman Al-Khelaifi, combined with the player's firm desire to move to Atletico, the transfer fee is likely to be settled around 25 million euros rather than 28 million."

For Atletico, Lee Kang-in is a card that can simultaneously boost both team performance and marketing. The media stated, "Coach Diego Simeone will secure a top-tier dribbler that the team lacked. Considering the massive sponsorship revenue and popularity Lee Kang-in generates in the Asian market, including Korea, a 25 million euro transfer fee represents a highly profitable deal for Atletico."

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*This content was translated by AI.