Lee Kang-in rejected all love calls from the EPL and Saudi Arabia! Only 'Atletico'... Imminent escape from Paris for 44.9 billion won: "Patience exhausted, LEE is packing"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25) appears to be on the verge of returning to Spain's La Liga. He is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and head to Atletico Madrid.

Sports outlet 'Tribuna' reported on the 6th (Korea time), citing insider Matteo Moretto, that "Lee Kang-in wants a transfer, with Atletico as his top priority."

The outlet explained, "Clubs from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the English Premier League (EPL) showed interest in signing Lee Kang-in, but Lee Kang-in himself prefers a move to Atletico the most." It added, "Atletico also contacted Lee Kang-in's agent last winter to discuss a transfer."

Negotiations over the specific transfer fee appear to have progressed significantly. Spain's 'Marca' reported on the 5th that "Atletico is close to acquiring Lee Kang-in, whom they have long desired," and that "a positive atmosphere has formed for both clubs to agree on a transfer fee around 25 million euros (approximately 44.9 billion won)."

Some European outlets have estimated Lee Kang-in's market value at up to 30 million euros (approximately 54 billion won). However, Marca projected that "given the cordial relationship between Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and PSG Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, as well as the player's firm desire to join Atletico, it is highly likely the transfer fee will be settled around 25 million euros." For PSG, which acquired Lee Kang-in from Mallorca for 22 million euros (approximately 39.5 billion won) in 2023, this is not a losing deal.

The reason PSG, which had strongly opposed Lee Kang-in's transfer during the January winter transfer window, has changed its stance is due to the player's own strong request. Marca cited three reasons for PSG entering negotiations: First, Lee Kang-in, who lost out in the competition for a starting spot, strongly desired a transfer. Second, Lee Kang-in directly requested club executives to consider offers from other clubs. Third, coach Luis Enrique did not want to force a dissatisfied player to stay on the team.

In fact, Lee Kang-in was thoroughly classified as a rotation player this season. He played 27 Ligue 1 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists, but in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), he appeared in 10 matches in total, all as a substitute. Notably, after playing 12 minutes in the first leg of the UCL quarterfinal against Liverpool, he has not stepped onto the pitch for a single minute, and while his team PSG achieved back-to-back titles in the competition, he suffered the pain of being excluded from the final stage for the second consecutive year.

For Atletico, Lee Kang-in is an attractive card that can address both squad strength and marketing. Coach Diego Simeone will secure a top-tier dribbler lacking in the team, and the club can obtain the massive sponsorship revenue generated by Lee Kang-in in the Asian market.

Meanwhile, Tribuna reported that "rumors are circulating that, in addition to Lee Kang-in, striker Goncalo Ramos and goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier could also leave PSG alongside Lee Kang-in due to insufficient playing time."

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*This content was translated by AI.