"No reason to keep Lee Kang-in anymore": PSG secures two replacements, transfer to Atletico Madrid gains momentum

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korea national football team ace Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) appears to be very close to a transfer to Atletico Madrid. His current club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is also showing a different attitude from before and seems ready to let him go.

On the 1st (Korean time), British outlet TeamTalk reported, "French champion PSG is preparing for another major overhaul of its attacking lineup." The outlet added, "Although PSG has established itself as a dominant force in Europe, it is not resting on its laurels. Under manager Luis Enrique, the club is actively working behind the scenes to build an even stronger squad for next season."

PSG is pushing forward with restructuring its attack. Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos is set to move to AC Milan, while Randall Kolo Muani is also expected to leave the team.

Another departure is now anticipated: Lee Kang-in. The media explained, "PSG has approved Lee Kang-in's transfer. He is nearing a move to Atletico Madrid."

Consequently, PSG is also preparing replacements. With plans to overhaul its attack, the club is targeting two new signings: Monaco's promising midfielder Magnin Akliouche and Bournemouth striker El Jhony Cruyff.

TeamTalk stated, "PSG has already identified Lee Kang-in's successor. Monaco star Akliouche is close to joining PSG." Akliouche, a young midfielder born in 2002, has grown into a key starter for Monaco despite his age. He also represented the French national team at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Lee Kang-in left Spain's Mallorca in 2023 to join PSG. Since then, he has played across multiple positions as a rotational player. However, his playing time and role within the team have often fallen short of expectations. In high-stakes matches like the UEFA Champions League (UCL), he rarely started, and even in major games, he was frequently brought on as a substitute in the second half.

Until now, PSG had been reluctant to let Lee Kang-in go easily. He could play various positions and remained an important asset for the team's depth. Last winter, Atletico reportedly attempted to sign him, but PSG refused. However, this summer has seen a shift in atmosphere. With PSG also scouting a successor for Lee Kang-in, the likelihood of his transfer has increased significantly compared to before.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo also viewed Lee Kang-in's potential move to Atletico as highly probable. The media reported, "After officially announcing the signing of new left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, Atletico aims to finalize the acquisition of PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in." Grimaldo's transfer to Atletico has already been officially confirmed. Now, attention turns to Lee Kang-in.

Mundo Deportivo added, "Atletico is also positive about acquiring Lee Kang-in. Personal terms with Lee Kang-in have been agreed upon, and a favorable atmosphere has been established with PSG."

The transfer fee was also discussed in detail. According to Mundo Deportivo, Lee Kang-in's transfer fee is reported to be up to 30 million euros (approximately 53 billion won), including base fees and optional add-ons.

If PSG also signs Bournemouth striker Cruyff alongside Lee Kang-in's departure, the transfer could proceed even more smoothly. Cruyff is not a direct replacement for Lee Kang-in but serves as an attacking reinforcement to compensate for the exits of Ramos and Kolo Muani. With PSG targeting Akliouche as Lee Kang-in's successor while also pursuing new striker Cruyff, a major overhaul of the attack appears clear.

Cruyff, who holds French nationality, scored 13 goals in 33 matches during last season's English Premier League (EPL). Despite his young age (born in 2006), he has attracted interest from several top clubs.

TeamTalk reported, "PSG's recruitment team, led by Luis Campos, believes Cruyff possesses all the qualities needed to succeed under manager Luis Enrique." The outlet added, "They also evaluate him as a player who can become a long-term core asset for PSG's attack."

Of course, Bournemouth has no intention of easily releasing Cruyff. The media explained that Bournemouth views Cruyff as a key part of their long-term project and does not wish to lose him after just one season. Cruyff is also reportedly satisfied with his life at Bournemouth. However, he has acknowledged PSG's interest and left the door open for a potential transfer.

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*This content was translated by AI.