Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) position is clear. There will be no parting with the ‘golden talent’.
Lee Kang-in has been the subject of a series of transfer rumors recently. On July 17, McPhee Media reported that English Premier League (EPL) side Newcastle have sent an official inquiry to PSG for Lee. Newly appointed director of football Paul Mitchell has identified Lee as a dream target for this transfer window. The left-footed player can play on the left and right flanks as well as in central midfield. He is a left-footed player who can play in the center of the field as well as central midfield,” the report said. Newcastle have reportedly prepared a £40 million transfer fee to sign Lee.
Newcastle finished seventh in the EPL in the 2023-2024 season with a record of 18 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses (60 points). They failed to qualify for the European Champions League (UCL). The Magpies are looking to overhaul their squad in the new season in order to reach higher heights, and they are reportedly keen on signing Lee Kang-In. Newcastle have been interested in Lee in the past when he played for Real Mallorca (Spain). However, instead of joining Newcastle, Lee was headed to PSG. Newcastle signed Harvey Barnes instead of Lee.
But that wasn’t the end of the bids for Lee. Napoli (Italy) also reportedly considered signing Lee. French publication Foot Mercato reported that “PSG want to sign Victor Osimhen. They are also considering a trade. Carlos Soler, Nordy Moukiele, and Lee Kang-In have been proposed as trade cards. The only player Napoli are interested in is Lee Kang-in.
Lee Kang-in’s delayed arrival at PSG’s pre-season training camp has intensified the transfer speculation. Lee took matters into his own hands, posting a photo of himself training on vacation on his personal social networking site. Along with a photo of his tight physique, he wrote “SOON. Lee joined PSG as ‘announced’.
PSG announced on the club’s channel on the 23rd, “Lee Kang-in returned to the team for training on the 22nd. Lee returned to France after a well-deserved vacation after helping the South Korean 안전놀이터 national team qualify for the 2026 North and Central American World Cup in Asia. Lee underwent the team’s traditional pre-season medical test. In the afternoon, he went to the training center to train in the gym. He will soon start training with the team,” the club announced. In the medical test released by PSG on the same day, Lee ran on a treadmill while wearing a ‘fishnet T-shirt’ with sensors attached to his body to test his fitness. When asked, “Are you ready for the season?” Lee said, “I’m ready for the new season, but not for this,” and laughed embarrassedly at the ‘fishnet T-shirt’ he was wearing.
Reports have emerged that have effectively put an end to the Lee Kang-In transfer speculation. Fabrizio Romano, who is well versed in the transfer market, said on social media on Wednesday, “The negotiations between PSG and Napoli for Osimhen are not progressing. PSG refused to include Lee Kang-in in the deal, which Napoli demanded. They will also not trigger Osimhen’s buyout. For now, it’s unlikely that Ausimhen will go to PSG. PSG are happy with Gonzalo Hamus and Randal Kolo Mouani,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee made his French debut in a PSG jersey in the 2023-2024 season. He won three titles in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France (French Cup), and the Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup). In the Super Cup, he scored the winning goal and was named the tournament’s MVP. Lee finished his first season in France with three goals and four assists in the league, one goal and one assist in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), and one goal in the Super Cup. In all competitions, he recorded double-digit offensive points with five goals and five assists. He will begin his conquest of the 2024-2025 season on August 19 against Le Havre.
