Will Lee Kang-in join the Korean Tour? "LEE, PSG, and Atlético all want it"... Simeone's three-year wish, and why official timing matters

*This content was translated by AI.

Rumors of Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) transferring to Atlético Madrid (Spain) are hotter than ever. With Atlético's Korean tour schedule also set for this summer, the Spanish club is showing significant interest.

Spanish outlet AS reported on the 23rd (Korean time) that "Atlético, Lee Kang-in, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) all want it," adding that "all three parties are interested in reaching an agreement, and the two clubs are understanding each other's financial intentions."

According to reports, Atlético wants to sign Lee Kang-in. Lee Kang-in is also reportedly positive about returning to Spain's La Liga for a new challenge. Atlético is the most likely destination. The club has been monitoring Lee Kang-in for a long time.

Until now, PSG had refused to allow a sale, citing Lee Kang-in's important role as a rotation member. However, the situation appears to have changed. It is expected that PSG could enter transfer negotiations with Lee Kang-in if the conditions are right.

As expected, the transfer fee is the key issue. AS explained that "Lee Kang-in, currently participating in the World Cup, is under contract with PSG until 2028. PSG acquired Lee Kang-in in 2023 for a transfer fee of 22 million euros (approximately 38 billion won), and the player's value has since increased." Football transfer market specialist Transfermarkt values Lee Kang-in at 28 million euros (approximately 49 billion won). However, the outlet added that "PSG wants a transfer fee for Lee Kang-in close to 35 million euros (approximately 61 billion won)."

However, some French local outlets such as Paris Teams have suggested that PSG may adjust the transfer fee to facilitate Lee Kang-in's sale. Depending on how the two clubs negotiate, the transfer process for Lee Kang-in could gain momentum. AS also noted that "Atlético wants to pay a lower fixed amount including options to reduce the transfer fee. The two clubs are aware of each other's goals and financial structures."

For Atlético, Lee Kang-in is also an important acquisition target. AS explained that even when Atlético was close to signing Bernardo Silva, who played for Manchester City (England), they continued to monitor Lee Kang-in as a potential target. With Bernardo Silva heading to Real Madrid, the need for Atlético to sign Lee Kang-in has grown stronger.

AS stated that "Lee Kang-in is a player who has won the approval of both Atlético's manager Diego Simeone and director Mateu Alemany." In particular, director Alemany has known Lee Kang-in well since his Valencia days. During last winter's transfer market, Alemany was the person who most strongly recommended Lee Kang-in. However, at that time, PSG firmly rejected the player's departure, causing Atlético's acquisition attempt to fail.

Manager Simeone has also wanted Lee Kang-in for a long time. Atlético had placed Lee Kang-in as a priority acquisition target in 2023 as well, but they were outbid when PSG made a better offer. If Atlético succeeds in signing Lee Kang-in this summer, it will be the culmination of their long-standing interest after three years.

In particular, Atlético is scheduled to conduct a Korean tour this summer. Earlier, Coupang Play announced on the 22nd that "Team K-League, Manchester City, and Atlético will participate in this year's Coupang Play Series." On August 5, the first match will see Team K-League face Manchester City, and on August 9, the second match will feature Manchester City against Atlético. Both matches will be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

If Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atlético is finalized quickly, there is a possibility that Korean fans will be able to watch Lee Kang-in play in an Atlético jersey during the Coupang Play Series in Korea.

AS also paid attention to this point. The outlet stated, "Atlético hopes to travel to Korea, an Asian country, to play matches as they did in 2023, while also generating revenue. Of course, this plan and the acquisition of Lee Kang-in are separate issues. However, if Lee Kang-in eventually wears an Atlético jersey, there is no doubt that it will become a very important attraction for the Korean tour."

The outlet further explained in another report that "Korea is coincidentally the country of Lee Kang-in, one of Atlético's major acquisition targets this summer," and "the acquisition of Lee Kang-in and the Korean tour are separate tasks. The Korean tour does not directly affect Lee Kang-in's acquisition. However, if Atlético brings current PSG player Lee Kang-in, one of the representative stars of the South Korean national team, to Korea, the significance of this match and the Korean tour could become much greater."

It continued, "The acquisition of Lee Kang-in can be both a football move and a marketing move. It can have a maximum effect, especially at the Coupang Play Series to be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in August. This is even more so if Lee Kang-in is included in manager Simeone's squad."

Atlético visited Korea two years ago as well. At that time, they faced Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium and defeated them 2-1 with goals from Memphis Depay and Yannick Carrasco.

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*This content was translated by AI.