Lee Kang-in has concluded personal talks with Atletico Madrid, but a 'major variable' has emerged: Juventus attempts to hijack the transfer... Will a fee-sharing deal with PSG be reached?

*This content was translated by AI.

A major variable has emerged in the potential transfer of South Korean national team ace Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain) to Atletico Madrid (Spain). It is now possible that Italian powerhouse Juventus may enter the race to sign Lee Kang-in.

Football Italia reported on the 26th (Korea time) that "Juventus has identified Lee Kang-in as an alternative if they fail to secure Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid). However, they must compete with Atletico." The report added, "If Diaz remains at Real Madrid, Lee Kang-in could become Juventus's Plan B."

According to the report, Juventus is preparing for a major squad overhaul this summer. The club needs to sign a striker to replace its leading scorer, Dusan Vlahovic, whose transfer rumors have persisted. Additionally, under the request of head coach Luciano Spalletti, Juventus is seeking a creative player to enhance its attacking options. Among these targets, Diaz has been identified as the top priority.

However, Juventus's plans are now likely to be derailed. The media explained, "Acquiring Diaz appears difficult. Diaz, who was open to returning to Italy's Serie A, has reportedly shifted his preference toward staying at Real Madrid. If Juventus fails to sign Diaz, Lee Kang-in could become a realistic Plan B."

Until now, Lee Kang-in has been consistently linked with Atletico, one of Spain's "Big Three." His transfer was reported to be quite close. Matteo Moretto, a journalist well-versed in Spanish transfer market news, stated on his social media today: "Lee Kang-in and Atletico have completed personal talks. Atletico and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are now only left with final negotiations over the transfer fee."

However, if Juventus enters the race, Lee Kang-in's future could change. Notably, Juventus and PSG maintain a good relationship. Unlike the ongoing tug-of-war between PSG and Atletico over the transfer fee, Juventus has already conducted multiple player transfer negotiations with PSG. This summer, it is also reported that Juventus is negotiating with PSG to sign striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Previously, PSG strongly signaled its intention not to sell Lee Kang-in to other clubs. However, the mood is gradually shifting. Football Italia reported, "Lee Kang-in made only 18 starts across all competitions in the 2025–2026 season. PSG appears to be preparing to receive transfer offers for Lee Kang-in this summer."

The media further stated, "Lee Kang-in's contract runs until the summer of 2028, and his current annual salary is reported to be around 4 million euros (approximately 7 billion won). This is not an amount Juventus cannot afford."

The media still acknowledged that Atletico remains the most likely destination for Lee Kang-in's next move. It specifically noted, "Lee Kang-in and Atletico have finalized a principled agreement on personal terms." However, it added, "Atletico has not yet reached a transfer fee agreement with PSG. Juventus still has an opportunity to exploit this gap."

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*This content was translated by AI.