‘Golden Boy’ Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) is close to joining PSG in the French Ligue 1.
“South Korea national team midfielder Lee Kang-in, who plays for Mallorca, has agreed to move to PSG,” L’Equipe reported on Wednesday (July 13), adding, “PSG has been trying to sign Lee Kang-in under the radar.”
“The player has already undergone a medical in Paris earlier this week. He passed the medical with flying colors. He has agreed to sign a contract with PSG until 2027.”
“PSG have offered €22 million ($30.3 billion) for Lee,” Spanish media outlets such as Marca reported on Wednesday.
Lee has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, and PSG has been touted as his new club.
A number of local French media outlets have also speculated on the possibility of Lee joining PSG.
Le 10 Sport reported on July 13, “Surprisingly, PSG are close to completing the signing of Lee Kang-in. PSG are on the verge of finalizing the signing of Lee Kang-in. Lee will head to Paris,” and “Lee has reached an agreement with PSG. PSG are in final negotiations to sign Lee and are discussing options.”
Primera Liga side Atletico Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Lee but have been unsuccessful in negotiations.
On December 12, Rilevo said, “Lee Kang-in will not sign for AT Madrid. The transfer talks broke down. Barring any sudden and unforeseen circumstances, Lee will not be joining AT Madrid. In recent weeks, the two sides have continued negotiations but have not been able to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone.”
Lee was a standout performer last season. In his second season with Mallorca, Lee was at his best with six goals and six assists.
Not just an attacking point, the central midfielder was praised for his playmaking, which was his biggest strength, but also for his improved defense and speed.
In the end, Lee proved his worth.
Mundo Deportivo said, “Lee’s transfer is getting closer. His buyout clause is dependent on performance. Last year it was 17 million euros ($23.5 billion),안전놀이터 but now it is 25 million euros ($33 billion),” Mundo Deportivo reported.
“His price tag has skyrocketed as he’s had a great season with Mallorca, especially as his performances have continued and his buyout clause has changed, so any club looking to add him to their squad now will have to dig deeper into the details of his transfer.”
Mundo Deportivo added: “It’s far from the case that the buyout clause has opened the door to a move for Lee. Last winter, he was close to signing a secret transfer clause with Mallorca, but it didn’t happen.”
Lee has been steadily improving his game. After making his professional debut with Valencia in 2018-2019, Lee made just three appearances in his first season.
However, in the 2019-2020 season, he played 17 games for Valencia and scored two goals. Expectations were high. However, Lee decided to take on a new challenge and left Valencia for Mallorca, where his chances of playing time were limited.
In 2021-2022, his first season with Mallorca, Lee scored one goal and two assists in 30 games, helping the club stay in the league.
He stepped up his game last season and set career highs with six goals and six assists. This performance attracted several big clubs, including Atletico Madrid.
It’s still early in the transfer window, but the interest in Lee has been strong, especially with Atletico Madrid’s financial woes making a move elsewhere more likely.
Along with Atletico Madrid, Premier League clubs have shown a lot of interest in Lee. Several PL clubs, including Aston Villa, have expressed interest in the player.
However, the news came out of nowhere. Lionel Messi’s departure from PSG.
PSG is in need of a “rebuild” as their ultra-luxury attacking line is set to disintegrate this summer.
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in the MLS is all but confirmed, and Kylian Mbappe has decided not to sign a contract extension with PSG, leaving Real Madrid (Spain) as his next destination.
Neymar is also reportedly set to leave for the Saudi Arabian league in a big-money deal.
“PSG think it’s only a matter of time before Lee joins PSG. His transfer fee will be €20 million ($27.5 billion), including bonuses.”
In the meantime, Lee has been called up by Jürgen Klinsmann’s national team and is preparing for a trial against Peru in Busan on Sept. 16.